CURE-Cancer Program
2026-2027 Program Application
Discover. Develop. CURE-Cancer
Supported by the American Cancer Society, the year-long (June 2026 - May 2027) Cultivating Undergraduate Research Excellence in Cancer (CURE-Cancer) equips undergraduates across Orange County with critical research skills and professional development to succeed in cancer research careers. The program begins with a paid 10-week summer internship (June 15 - August 21, 2026) paired with an assigned mentor within a UC Irvine lab (in basic, clinical, or population sciences), followed by ongoing mentorship support and activities throughout the academic year.
Individuals interested in science are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Timeline
- December 15, 2025
Online Applications Available - January 14, 2026
Information Session #1 at 4 pm on Zoom
Register Now - February 6, 2026
Information Session #2 at 12 pm on Zoom
Register Now - February 27, 2026
Applications are due by 11:59 pm PST - March 2026
Applications are reviewed at UCI - March 30 - April 10, 2026
Candidate Interviews - Late April 2026
Candidates notified of program acceptance
Information Sessions
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
4 – 5 PM, Zoom
Friday, February 6, 2026
12 – 1 PM, Zoom
Eligibility
- Current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors with an interest in any STEM discipline currently enrolled full-time at a community college, college, or university in and around Orange County
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above
- Availability to participant full-time in the mentored summer research program (June 15 - August 21, 2026) without concurrent enrollment in summer courses
- Must not receive a bachelor's degree before May 2027
- This program is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA/AB540
- All applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the conditions of employment: https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php. The program is not able to sponsor visas for participants.
Program Dates
- Lab Tours: April 20 - May 1, 2026
- Submit Clinical Shadowing Documentation: Due May 4, 2026
- Start Date & Orientation: June 15, 2026
- Paid Summer Internship: June 16 - August 21, 2026
- Career Excellence (CareerX) Meetings (Zoom): September 2026, December 2026, February 2027, April 2027
- Closing Dinner: May 2027
Funding Support
Program Highlights
Hands-On Mentored Summer Research Experience
Participants will be matched with a mentor aligned with their research interests for a 10-week research experience. Success in cancer research depends on a supportive team, and weekly mentor meetings will provide guidance, address challenges, and support skill development.
Clinical Shadowing Opportunities
Participants will have the chance to shadow oncology professionals alongside first-year medical students, gaining insight into the Orange County healthcare landscape, interacting with patients, and seeing science translated from "bench to bedside."
Engaging Program Activities
Participants will participate in engaging workshops, scientific lectures, and journal clubs to supplement their career and professional development. To conclude their 10-week research experience, participants will present a scientific poster at the CURE-Cancer Symposium, showcasing their work to peers and professionals in the field.
IDPs and CareerX Meetings
In collaboration with their mentor(s) and support staff, participants will complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to set short- and long-term objectives and participate in quarterly Career Excellence (CareerX) team meetings to ensure progress.
Guided Tours of Cutting-Edge Cancer Center Facilities
Guided tours of the Cancer Center and Ambulatory Care Building, featuring patient-centered radiation oncology therapies and advanced imaging services, will showcase cutting-edge facilities and offer opportunities to engage with clinical staff and patients.
Networking and Social Events
Participants will actively network and connect with their peers, support staff, cancer researchers, oncology medical professionals, and members of the Orange County community who are committed to reducing the burden of cancer for all.
If you have any questions, please email the CRI Team at cri@uci.edu.