HHMI Cech Fellows Program

The Cech Fellows Program is a paid, nine-week summer research experience for rising college juniors and seniors designed to empower the next generation of scientific leaders through mentorship, hands-on research, and community. 

As a Cech Fellow, students:

• Receive a $15,000 stipend if placed in an HHMI lab at a host institution, intended to cover travel, housing, meals, and incidentals. (Students are responsible for arranging their own housing.)
• Receive a $12,000 stipend if placed at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus. (Students placed at Janelia have access to free, on-campus housing.)
• Participate in an end-of-summer symposium at the Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA, from August 10–12, 2027, at which they present their research and meet other Cech Fellows from across the country. Food, lodging, and travel to and from the symposium are provided by HHMI.
• Are matched with a local contact from their host lab who will provide suggestions for local housing options. Students are expected to travel to arrive at their host institutions by June 14, 2027.

Apply Here!

Held annually; next application opens November 10, 2026