inStem Summer Research Fellowships (SuRF) 2026: Immersive Internship for Pharmacy & Science Students

The Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has announced the third edition of its prestigious Summer Research Fellowship (SuRF) program.

Located within the globally recognized Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster (BLiSC), inStem offers a world-class environment for students to explore the frontiers of stem cell biology, tissue regeneration, and chemical biology.

Program Highlights

The SuRF program is designed to provide an intensive, 10-week immersion into academic research, helping students develop the rigor required for a PhD.

Duration: 10 Weeks (May 18 – July 27, 2026).
Stipend: ₹10,000 per month.
Mentorship: Fellows work directly under inStem faculty on individualized research projects.
Exposure: Includes an orientation, special lecture series by eminent scientists, and a final research seminar.

Eligibility Criteria

To maintain the immersive nature of the internship, eligibility is strictly limited to students currently enrolled in the following years of their degree as of Summer 2026:

Degree Program	Eligibility Window
B.Pharm / B.Tech / B.Sc. (4-year)	Must have completed 3rd Year (entering 4th year).
M.Sc. / M.Tech	Must have completed 1st Year (entering 2nd year).
Integrated B.Sc.-M.Sc. / B.Tech-M.Tech	Must have completed 4th Year (entering 5th year).
M.B.B.S.	Must have completed 2nd or 3rd Year.

Note: Students who have already completed their degree prior to the internship start date are not eligible.

Selection & Application Process

Selection is highly competitive and based on academic performance, research interest, and letters of reference. While Life Sciences is the primary focus, students from Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics are also encouraged to apply.

Required Documents:

Academic transcripts.
Statement of Purpose (Research Interest).
Reference letters.

Important Dates:

Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Decision Communication: April 1, 2026
Program Start Date: May 18, 2026

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official inStem portal. Ensure your research interests align with the faculty profiles at inStem to increase your chances of a “research fit” selection.