HYRS Program Hosts

We have now opened HYRS host registration for the Summer 2025 program, which will take place (in-person) July 3–August 14, 2025.

We are seeking U of A researchers from a variety of health & medical science areas, including Alberta Innovates priority areas, to host a Grade 11 student on a research project for 6 weeks this summer.

HYRS Host/Supervisor Requirements

To host a HYRS student, the host researchers must:

  • Provide direct, continuous adult supervision for the HYRS student(s) for the duration of the program. Supervision can be provided by faculty, graduate students, technical staff, or postdoctoral scholars. Typical hours of work for the students are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. HYRS students are minors and are NOT permitted to work unsupervised.
  • Submit a brief description of the proposed research project(s) that the HYRS student(s) will work on during their six weeks on campus. Students must be able to present a poster about their project at the end of the program. Projects may be relevant to any area of health/medical research and innovation, including Alberta Innovates Priority Areas.
  • Provide a hazard assessment for the proposed HYRS activities. This is a provincially-legislated occupational health and safety requirement. If you already have a hazard assessment that covers the proposed activities, you can upload it to the form. If you do not have an existing hazard assessment that covers the proposed HYRS activities, templates are provided to help you in completing one. Hosts are also responsible for ensuring that any facilities, equipment or supplies are safe for use by minors, and that minors receive appropriate activity-specific safety training, PPE, and supervision.

NOTE: While host applications are not subject to a competitive process, they will be reviewed to ensure alignment with HYRS program goals and placement suitability for high school participants. The HYRS program receives upwards of 175 student applications each year, and we want to ensure we can place as many students as funding will allow.

For 2025, we are aiming to provide placements for at least 25 students.

Support provided by the HYRS program:

  • HYRS students are paid directly by the HYRS program as casual employees ($15/hour for 30-35 hours/week). 
  • The HYRS program will cover the cost of poster printing for the students to participate in the HYRS Celebration of Research (August 14, 2025). 
  • Hosts/supervisors will be invited to a host orientation (virtual) prior to the program (date TBD - typically mid-May)
  • HYRS will facilitate a full day student orientation (July 3, 2025), including a campus tour, OneCard pickup, library orientation, and training on HYRS program expectations. Students will also complete an introductory online module on basic lab safety, chemical safety and biosafety prior to the program start. 
  • HYRS staff will facilitate professional development and career exploration activities for all HYRS students weekly on Friday afternoons (12:30 - 4:30 p.m.).
  • HYRS staff will provide a letter of recognition and/or serve as a verifier for any graduate student or postdoctoral scholar who requires validation of their HYRS participation for their CV.

If you are interested in potentially hosting one or more HYRS students this summer, please visit the link below for more information and to complete the host registration form by April 30, 2025.

2025 HYRS Host Application

More information about the High School Youth Researcher Summer Program (HYRS) »