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Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program
Program Description

In 2007 and 2008, the Foundation for NIH and the Intramural Program for Research on Women's Health, through a generous grant from the cosmetic firm Clinique Laboratories, sponsored the Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program. Three college undergraduates interested in skin cancer research, skin development, or dermatology were selected for the program. Clinique enhanced the standard NIH summer internship experience with the opportunity to visit Clinique Headquarters in New York City at the end of the summer, where program participants presented their research.

Individuals who would like to be considered for this program should apply to the Summer Internship Program (SIP). Specific directions for applying will be posted when the SIP application becomes available in mid-November.

 
Frequently Asked Questions

   
Q: Is the stipend for interns sponsored by Clinique higher than that for interns in the regular Summer Internship Program?  
A: Stipends for summer interns are determined by their educational level. Interns in the Clinique-sponsored program and the "regular" internship program are paid according to the same scale.

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Q: What are the chances of being selected for this program?  
A: This is the first time SIP applicants have been offered the option of applying to the Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program. We do not know how many individuals will be interested. Please note, however, that the number of positions in the program — three — is small.

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Q: If I indicate an interest in this program in my cover letter, will I decrease my chances of being selected for other positions?  
A: If you mention your interest in the Clinique-supported program as one of several research interests, then you should not limit your opportunities. For example, if your interest in skin cancer was discussed as part of a larger interest in cancer in general, then your application should be of interest to many NIH investigators.

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Q: When is the trip to New York scheduled? I will be returning to college in mid-August.  
A: Last year, the New York trip took place in early August. With only three interns in the program, it should not be difficult to plan the trip so that it is convenient for all.

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Q: Who will cover the costs of the trip to New York?  
A: Clinique will cover the costs of transportation, meals, and accommodations (should they be necessary) for the New York trip.

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Q: Are there any advantages to this program besides the New York trip?  
A: The stipends for interns in the Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program are provided by Clinique. In addition, they receive a $1000 supply allowance. This means that interns sponsored by Clinique are "free" to their NIH investigators. Please note that the supply allowance can be used only for supplies required for the applicant's project and that purchases must be approved by the PI (principal investigator).

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Q: Are participants in the Clinique-sponsored program selected in the same way as participants in the regular Summer Internship Program?  
A: No. Applicants to the Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program are reviewed and ranked by a selection committee. Positions are offered to the three highest ranking applicants. Applicants chosen to participate in the program receive descriptions of projects submitted by investigators in the program, and the investigators receive the three potential interns' applications. The investigators are encouraged to contact the applicants to discuss their projects. The applicants rank the projects/investigators, and the investigators rank the applicants. The selection committee matches applicants with projects/investigators, taking account of the preferences of all concerned.

In the general Summer Internship Program (SIP), NIH investigators search the application database and select their own trainees. Applicants who have indicated an interest in the Women's Health Summer Research Internships Program can also be offered positions by individual NIH investigators.

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Q: I will be graduating with my bachelor's degree in May 2009. Am I eligible to apply?  
A: Yes. Anyone currently enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program in an accredited U.S. institution is eligible.

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  Still have a question? Check the general SIP FAQs.



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Page last revised on August 5, 2008 (sva)