Dear Students and Faculty,
The NIH INBRE program is now accepting student applications (see attached). INBRE is a statewide program that provides two years of research support for students interested in pursuing careers in the biomedical sciences. Students applying this year will complete a 10-week research experience at a research institution in Nebraska (UNL, UNMC, Creighton Medical) during summer 2026. Following this experience, they will join a lab at UNL for the next two academic years and the summer in between (2027). Given the two-year commitment, this program is open to current sophomores on a four-year degree plan or current juniors on a five-year degree plan.
INBRE Scholar Program - Undergraduate Fellowship in Biomedical Research
ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
INBRE is a statewide research program that enables highly qualified undergraduates to conduct biomedical research in academic laboratories in Nebraska. It is geared toward those aspiring to pursue advanced training in biomedical research (i.e., a Ph.D. degree). The program requires a two-year commitment. Usually, 3-4 new students will be selected as INBRE scholars each year at UNL. For more information, visit the UNMC INBRE website and the UNL INBRE website.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Any student, generally in their second year (i.e., sophomores), who will not graduate until May 2028 is eligible. Students pursuing a major in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) are ideally suited for this program. This program is intended for students preparing themselves for educational or employment opportunities in biomedical/STEM research after completion of their undergraduate degree.
PROGRAM BENEFITS:
· $4,000 for the first summer conducting research at a major research institution in Nebraska; $4,000 for each academic year of participation; and $4,500 for the second summer for research conducted at the scholar’s home institution.
· Free housing for the first and second summers. If housing is not needed, then $1,000 will be added to each summer stipend.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
· Complete a 10-week summer training program in biomedical research within a laboratory at UNMC, UNL, or Creighton during the first summer in the program (for 2026, starting May 26th and ending July 31st). Scholars must devote full time effort (40 hours per week). Potential labs can be found on the INBRE Mentors webpage.
· Join an INBRE-supported research laboratory at UNL and conduct original research for the next two academic years and the summer in between. This will require ~10 hours/week during the academic year and 40 hours/week during the summer.
· Participate in statewide discussions during the academic year. This consists of completing any required reading beforehand and then discussing the selected topic during a meeting with other INBRE scholars and faculty from across the state. This typically occurs twice per semester in-person or via Zoom.
· Attend local UNL INBRE activities throughout the year, such as informal social events, training workshops, practice presentations, and meetings with INBRE program leadership.
· Present research results during both junior and senior years at the annual INBRE meeting in August (for 2026, August 2nd-4th) and the Nebraska Academy of Sciences meeting in late April (for 2027, date TBD). Presenting at additional local, regional, and national venues is also strongly encouraged if resources and circumstances allow.
Additional notes: This program involves a significant time commitment that will limit the ability of INBRE scholars to work another job on or off campus. Outside employment and enrollment in summer courses are not allowed during the 10-week summer research sessions. Some degree of employment can occur during the academic years, but scholars should talk to their local INBRE coordinators about any additional work (such as being a Teaching Assistant) and will need to ensure that they can complete their responsibilities for the INBRE program. INBRE scholars should not work in a second lab or receive payment from the UNL UCARE program or other research funding. Considering these expectations, the NE-INBRE program provides the stipends described above to help address scholars’ financial obligations.
The continuation of this program depends on external funding. If funds become unavailable, the program may be paused or cancelled at the discretion of the UNL INBRE Coordinators, at which point scholars will stop receiving financial support from the INBRE program. Contact Dr. Brian Couch at bcouch2@unl.edu or Dr. Angie Pannier at apannier2@unl.edu for further information.
INBRE Scholar Application
A complete application packet for the INBRE scholar program must be submitted by Sunday, December 21, 2025. Submit application electronically to INBRE Fellowship Selection Committee, Attn: Dr. Brian Couch, School of Biological Sciences, bcouch2@unl.edu.
A complete application consists of the following items, submitted together as one document in the following order:
· Application form (two pages, see below)
· Statement of interest: up to 2 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt font. Address each of the following questions:
· Where did you first hear about the INBRE program?
· Why are you interested in biomedical research?
· What are your future educational and career goals following graduation from UNL?
· How will this program support your career goals?
· Do you have any research experience?
· Which UNL lab(s) are you most interested in working in (see link above) and why?
Note: You are encouraged to speak to former or current INBRE scholars about the program.
· Official or unofficial copy of your most recent UNL transcript
· Resume/CV
Also: Arrange for one letter of recommendation to be emailed directly to Dr. Brian Couch. The letter should address the applicant’s scientific potential, academic performance, research experience, and personal character.
Selected students will be contacted for interviews.
More information can be found on our UNL INBRE website, including the program application. Submit completed electronic application forms to Dr. Brian Couch (bcouch2@unl.edu) by December 21, 2025.
More details at: https://biosci.unl.edu/inbre-scholar-program/?check_logged_in=1