Do you have a passion for discovering new things? Do you wonder how organ systems function? Do you seek to improve human health through research? Are you committed to lifelong learning? If you answered yes to these questions, a biomedical research career may for you.
Applications for the 2026 summer program were accepted through Feb. 15, 2026. Stay tuned for information about the 2027 summer program application deadline.
Gaining biomedical research experience is one way to prepare you for graduate school and for a career in research. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Summer Program for Undergraduate Urology Research (SPUUR) is a 10 week paid summer research internship for undergraduates from anywhere in the United States. We are training the next generation of scientists to make critical breakthroughs in urology-related research.
We will prioritize applicants who are considering graduate school in biomedical research. Through our program, students will gain essential skills to position them for success in post-graduate studies in a variety of areas, including urology and nephrology-focused research, toxicology, nutritional sciences, physiology, biology, bacteriology, animal and dairy science, biochemistry, genetics, and more. Students without research experience are welcome to apply; the primary prerequisite for being a SPUUR Scholar is a curiosity about science and willingness to immerse yourself in active research.
Note that this is not a clinical training opportunity. Students will network with other students and faculty throughout the summer, including with those from other summer programs at UW-Madison and from other institutions. At the end of the program, students will present and receive reviews of their individual work.
Quick links
About SPUUR
Why urology? There is an urgent need to improve urinary health in humans and animals. The underlying causes of many urinary problems is not known, and urinary dysfunction can be debilitating, demoralizing, and costly to treat. Discovering the root causes of urologic problems requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Through a carefully constructed curriculum of didactic and hands-on activities, summer interns will gain experience in many fields, including: Basic, clinical, and translational science, biochemistry, biology, cell biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, imaging (MRI, ultrasound, PET, MicroCT), pathology/history, pharmacology/toxicology, physiology.
Student Testimonies
-
Samuel Tesch – Testimony
“Being accepted into the SPUUR program was an important milestone in my professional growth and development into a scientist. This program taught me to develop research questions into concrete presentations and be a thoughtful…
-
Anoop Chandrashekar – Testimony
“SPUUR introduced me to the fascinating field of urological research and taught me the necessary skills to be a strong student and undergraduate researcher. During my time in the program and laboratory, I contributed to three publications and when…
-
Ana Maria Viteri – Testimony
“I participated in the Summer Program for Undergraduate Urology Research (SPUUR) in the summer of 2018. As a proud Latina and immigrant student majoring in Biochemistry at UW-Madison, I bring along with…
-
Lucille Anzia – Testimony
“I was a SPUUR student during the summer of 2018, and feel very fortunate to have been placed in the labs of Alejandro Roldán–Alzate, PhD and Diego Hernando, PhD. Together, they have affiliations spanning the UW…
Interested in research?
Apply now to SPUUR and get involved in research opportunities, connect with mentors, and build valuable experience!