For Release November 15, 2007

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), announced that today kicks off the application period for summer research training opportunities at its Intramural Program (IRP) facility in Baltimore, Maryland. The internship program - now in its 21st year - is part of NIDA's commitment to introducing the science of addiction to some of the best and brightest young scientists in America.

Students who are accepted to the program will work closely with some of the world's leading addiction scientists in an environment devoted exclusively to leading biomedical research. The IRP facility includes numerous basic research laboratories, a brain imaging facility, and an outpatient treatment clinic. Examples of research projects include: drug-seeking behavior in rats, smoking cessation, genomic studies for nicotine dependence, and the effects of methamphetamine and cocaine on the brain.

"NIDA's program offers students the opportunity to obtain hands-on training and experience that most would not otherwise receive through their high school or college curriculum," said Stephen J. Heishman, associate director for education and training at the IRP and coordinator of the NIH Summer Internship Program. In addition to their research projects, students attend seminars about the various facets of drug abuse research and participate in a poster session at the conclusion of the internship in which they present their findings to NIH scientists.

The Summer 2008 Internship Programs are for students 16 years of age or older who are enrolled at least half-time in high school, have finished high school, or are attending an accredited U.S. college or university. All internships pay monthly stipends based upon education levels, but housing costs are not paid. To be eligible, candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The internships run a minimum of eight weeks, with students generally arriving at the NIH in May or June.

Like many of the research training programs at the NIH, the Summer Internship Programs are very selective. NIDA is particularly interested in recruiting students who are from disadvantaged backgrounds and from ethnic groups whose participation in science has been traditionally limited. Information about the Minority Research Training Program at the NIDA IRP can be obtained from Christie Brannock at 410-550-2953 ext. 372 or cbrann@intra.nida.nih.gov.

Prospective candidates should apply electronically via the Internet Ñ the application deadline is March 1. For more information, visit http://www.training.nih.gov/student/sip/index.asp.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to ensure the rapid dissemination of research information to inform policy and improve practice. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs of abuse and further information on NIDA research can be found on the NIDA web site at http://www.drugabuse.gov.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) - The Nation's Medical Research Agency - includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov