How do I apply? Complete and upload your application through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Student Research Opportunity Program (SROP); link to website HERE.
How do I include a letter of recommendation with my application? Follow all instructions and upload per instructions on the SROP website. A minimum of 1 and maximum of 2 letters are required.
What other documents are required to go with my completed application? On the SROP website, you will upload a transcript and complete an Essay Form consisting of 4 sections, each with a limit of 500 words
Background
Future Goals & Career Plans
Research Area(s)
Research Experience
When is the application deadline? The deadline for the 2026 summer research program will be February 15, 2026
When will I find out if I’m accepted? Mid-March, 2026 (exact date TBD)
What are the program dates for 2026? Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, July 31, 2026
Can I enroll in summer courses during the program? No, this is a full-time commitment. You may NOT be enrolled in summer courses outside of the SPUUR program. You are not eligible to participate in the program if you are taking classes.
What is meant by “full-time commitment?” You are expected to contribute at least 40 hours per work week.
What is the stipend? You will receive a stipend of $6,000 – to be paid in 2 parts (one at the beginning and one later in the summer) and – if desired – dormitory housing on the UW-Madison campus.
Where can I find out more about the UW-Madison campus? Call the UW-Madison Campus and Visitor Relations office at (608) 263-2400.
How do I get to and from campus? Most off-campus students walk, bike, or bus to campus. The UW-Madison Campus and Visitor Relations office [(608) 263-2400] can provide details about bike and bus routes.
Can I receive research credit for the program? No credit will be granted for your summer scholarship.
I am planning a summer vacation – Can I miss a week? No, students are expected to participate each week of the summer research experience. You will not be eligible to earn the full SPUUR stipend unless you participate in the program in its entirety.
I am a full-time student at a US university or college but not a US citizen or permanent resident – Can I still apply to the program? Yes, you may still apply.
How many applicants will be accepted? Up to 10 students.
How is this program funded, and who is its sponsor? The program is funded by the National Institutes of Health and is a partnership between the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, the School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Department of Urology of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.
How have prior UW-Madison SPUUR scholars benefited from their participation? Many have matriculated to graduate school or are working in occupations related to urology, public health, and other areas of science. Others have gone on to apply to or initiate medical training (e.g., as physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, etc.). See “Career Trajectory” graph at right.
How have prior UW-Madison SPUUR scholars benefited from their participation? Many have matriculated to graduate school or are working in occupations related to urology, public health, and other areas of science. Others have gone on to apply to or initiate medical training (e.g., as physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, etc.). See “Career Trajectory” graph at right.