inStem Summer Research Fellowship (SuRF) 2026

🏛️ About BRIC-inStem

The Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (BRIC-inStem) stands as India’s first dedicated research institute focusing on the complexities of stem cell biology. Functioning under the aegis of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, the institute is a beacon of advanced scientific inquiry.

Located within the vibrant and collaborative ecosystem of the Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster (BLISC), inStem boasts a dynamic group of faculty members addressing cutting-edge questions in regenerative medicine. The research conducted here ranges from fundamental biological processes to translational research with significant clinical impact. By hosting state-of-the-art research facilities and fostering collaborative programs, inStem enables researchers to push the frontiers of knowledge in stem cell science.

🔬 Detailed Program Overview

The Summer Research Fellowships (SuRF) 2026 marks the third edition of this prestigious fellowship program. It is specifically designed to open doors for students from across India, striving for diversity and inclusivity in scientific research. The program places selected students within specific research groups where they will undergo a rigorous 10-week summer research internship.

This program provides an intensive and immersive experience for students who are preparing to pursue a PhD in Life Sciences. Unlike standard internships, SuRF fellows will work on individual projects that are carefully curated to enhance their experimental skills. The goal is to prepare students to articulate complex research problems and design robust experiments to tackle novel scientific questions. Fellows will experience the discipline required for doctoral studies and get a firsthand look at the academic research environment.

Research Areas

Students selected for the program will have the unique opportunity to work on a diverse range of topics, including:

• Stem Cell Biology & Regeneration
• Tissue Engineering & Chemical Biology
• Cellular Metabolism
• Molecular Biology & Genetics

📚 What Does the SuRF Program Include?

The SuRF program is structured to provide a comprehensive learning arc, moving from orientation to final presentation:

• Orientation: The journey begins with a detailed overview of BRIC-inStem, introducing fellows to the advanced research facilities and the campus environment.
• Laboratory Research: The core of the fellowship involves placement in BRIC-inStem labs. Here, fellows carry out supervised research on defined projects, gaining hands-on technical expertise.
• Lecture Series: Fellows will not only work in the lab but also engage intellectually through multiple research seminars delivered by eminent scientists from top research institutions.
• Final Presentations: To develop scientific communication skills, fellows are required to present their work as short research talks to the campus community at the end of the program.
• Completion Certificate: Upon successful conclusion of the internship, an official internship certificate will be presented to all fellows, adding significant value to their academic portfolio.

✅ Eligibility Criteria & Selection

BRIC-inStem is looking for serious and motivated candidates. Preference will be strongly given to students in the Life Sciences fields. To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in their program.

Who Can Apply?

• Students entering the 2nd year of M.Sc. or M.Tech.
• OR Students entering the 4th year of 4-year B.Sc. (Hons), 4-year B.Tech, or 4-year B.Pharm.
• OR Students entering the 5th year of 5-year Integrated B.Sc./M.Sc. or B.Tech/M.Tech.
• OR Students entering the 3rd or 4th year of 5-year M.B.B.S.

Selection Process

The selection process is holistic and rigorous. The committee considers multiple criteria, including overall academic performance, demonstrated research interest, the candidate’s fit with BRIC-inStem’s research themes, space availability in specific labs, and the strength of reference letters provided by the candidate.

📅 Important Dates (Timeline)

*Dates may be subject to change.