IDBI-SPUR for 2026 will run 10 weeks - May 26, 2026 through July 31, 2026

Applications for 2026 IDBI-SPUR will open early spring 2026

Saint Louis University's IDBI Summer Program in Undergraduate Research (IDBI-SPUR) provides paid summer research opportunities and structured training activities for SLU undergraduate students working in IDBI-member laboratories.

The IDBI SPUR is a 10-week summer research program, established in summer 2022, in which SLU undergraduates interested in drug discovery and delivery research are matched to IDBI research labs. Therefore, the major educational experience for the students is through the time they spend doing research in the laboratories of IDBI senior members. Faculty mentors provide supervision of fellows in their laboratory. Although students will be trained in techniques specific to each research project, all students will participate in an authentic research experience that will involve them in designing and carrying out experiments, interpreting results, asking questions, developing hypotheses, and seeking answers. 

IDBI-SPUR aims to increase the number of undergraduates who can participate in research by providing stipends for summer research. To enhance the research and educational experience, IDBI-SPUR includes structured cohort activities (e.g. research training activities, midsummer gatherings) and requires participation in the fall IDBI Research Symposium. Additionally, students are encouraged to present their research at research symposia locally, such as the spring SLU Sigma Xi Research Symposium, regionally, and nationally.

In addition to the mentored summer research experience, each IDBI-SPUR Fellow participates in three cohort activities over the course of the 10-week program - one at the beginning of the summer, a second at the midpoint, and a final one at the conclusion of the program:

1. Beginning of IDBI-SPUR cohort event 1: safety training, guidance on importance of recordkeeping, faculty mentor lightning talks, and an ice cream social.

2. Midpoint of IDBI-SPUR cohort event 2: group picnic lunch, games & networking, and a field trip to the Drug Discovery Core, a core facility run by the IDBI that contains shared equipment used for drug discovery, highlighting some of the research projects being aided by the core.

3. End of IDBI-SPUR cohort event 3: Research Blitz Seminar where each IDBI-SPUR fellow creatively share research in 3 minutes or less and we celebrate the successes of the program.

IDBI-SPUR has two funding opportunities for undergraduate research stipends: 

1. part-time summer research: $15/hr for 20 hours per week (max $3000)

2. full-time summer research: $15/hr for 40 hours per week (max $6,000)

No prior experience is required to apply for either program.

IDBI-SPUR Student Eligibility:

• must be a current SLU undergraduate with at least one more semester (fall 2026) in residence at SLU

• half of the available IDBI-SPUR Fellowships are restricted to Federal Work Study students to be inclusive

IDBI-SPUR Application Components:

• an application form: 2026 IDBI-SPUR Application 

• a statement of purpose indicating how the IDBI-SPUR award will help you achieve your goals

• a copy of your transcript (unofficial is fine)

• a ranked list of your top 5 IDBI-SPUR desired faculty mentors - see list here: IDBI Mentors for 2026

• one letter of recommendation from a SLU STEM professor

Selection of IDBI-SPUR Fellows:

Applications will be reviewed by a 5-member committee composed of senior members of IDBI. Criteria for selection will include, in no particular order, the applicant’s academic record, strength of statement of purpose, strength of letter of recommendation, and evidence of teamwork and communication skills. Final determinations will be made in consultation with faculty mentors selected by students. 

Additionally, all undergraduates currently working in IDBI member labs in the summer (as volunteers and/or being paid on mentor's grants) are invited to participate in IDBI-SPUR cohort activities and the IDBI Research Symposium. If this pertains to you or your students, please contact me (blythe.janowiakmulligan@slu.edu) to be put on the contact list for participation in activities.