2026 PCEN Summer Scholar Applications Now Open

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology (CHOP PCEN) is pleased to announce that applications for its 2026 Summer Scholars Program are open.

About the Program

This program aims to inspire future leaders in pediatric kidney disease research by engaging students in meaningful research and clinical experiences in pediatric nephrology.

Students will collaborate with a mentor on a research project and will have opportunities for didactic training and clinical shadowing in nephrology.

Students will also attend seminars on research and careers in medicine and take one or more courses in epidemiology or data science.

The program dates are between June 8 and July 31, 2026. Start and end dates are flexible as academic schedules may vary for each student; however, an 8-week commitment is required.

Program Structure

1. Practical Research Training and Mentorship
   1. Responsible Conduct of Research training (including, as applicable to the research project: human subjects research, animal care and use in research, and laboratory safety)
   2. Full-time research experience on a clinical, translational, or basic science project under the mentorship of a PCEN investigator
   3. Weekly meetings with PCEN faculty mentor
   4. Preparation of an abstract and/or manuscript, as appropriate
   5. Oral presentation of research findings at the end of the program
2. Didactic Training
   1. Participation in Nephrology Fellows' Core Curriculum weekly lecture series, which provides exposure to core clinical nephrology topics and opportunities to interact with nephrology fellows
   2. Research Seminars: Students will attend weekly Summer Scholar cohort meetings and research team/lab meetings as appropriate based on their research project and mentor
3. Clinical Shadowing in Nephrology
   1. Observe the nephrology clinic at least once per week
   2. Attend inpatient rounds once per week

How to Apply

Complete the online REDCap application.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.

The faculty recommendation form must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

Applicants who are selected for interviews will be notified by late March.

Stipend and Eligibility

Students will receive a $4,500 stipend. Please note that housing is not provided as part of the program.

The program is open to undergraduate, post-graduate, or medical students who are currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited college or university. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

Questions?

For more information, visit the program website or contact the program coordinator, Hannah MacLean, or the program director, Dr. Erum Hartung, at CHOPPCEN@chop.edu.