Deadline Nears for Simmons Cancer Institute Summer Internships

With just a couple of weeks left before the application window closes, undergraduate students interested in medicine or cancer research are encouraged to apply for the 2026 summer lab internship program at the Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine.

Applications are now open and will be accepted through February 16, making the coming weeks a critical window for students hoping to gain hands-on research experience in active cancer laboratories. The paid internships are awarded competitively to undergraduate students planning to pursue careers in medicine or research with a focus on cancer.

Established in 2009, the summer internship program places students directly alongside researchers, offering early exposure to real-world cancer research. The program is supported by Denim & Diamonds, the institute’s annual gala that raises funds for cancer research, patient programs, and other needs of SCI’s patient population.

Internships are based at SIU School of Medicine locations in Springfield and Carbondale. Housing is not provided, and applicants must be U.S. citizens. The nine-week program is anticipated to run from June 1 through July 31, 2026.

“Our summer internship gives future scientists and clinicians their first exposure to real research,” said Aziz Khan, MD, executive director of Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU. “Most participants have continued on to medical school, graduate school or careers in research.” To date, 68 students have completed the program.

Students eligible to apply must have completed their first year of college by June 2026 and be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year in fall 2026. Students who have previously participated in an SCI internship are not eligible to reapply.

At the conclusion of the program, interns present a brief summary of their research projects to SIU faculty, peers, family members, and supporters of the institute, providing students an opportunity to share their work and gain experience communicating scientific findings.

The application and additional details about eligibility can be found online. With the February 16 deadline approaching, interested students are encouraged to begin the application process soon.

Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU serves the people of central and southern Illinois by addressing today’s cancer needs and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges through education, research, patient care, and community service.