Summer Research Program

The WISEST Summer Research Program (SRP) encourages participants to explore a future in science, engineering, and technology fields.

The goals of SRP are designed to provide students with the following opportunities:

  • Broaden awareness about less traditional fields of study and diverse career options.
  • Engage with other participants who share similar interests.
  • Learn about the techniques and types of research conducted in different STEM fields.
  • Connect with and learn from successful professionals in the STEM fields.
  • Develop key professional skills.
  • Contribute to trailblazing research (in the lab or in the field).
  • Become familiar with academic and university life at the University of Alberta.

Student Information

The Summer Research Program (SRP) is unlike any other summer job that you could possibly imagine! For almost 40 years, SRP has been giving students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in university, and in the science, engineering, and technology fields. We encourage grade 11, young women and gender-diverse students to apply for one of 40 placements in STEM fields. As of 2022, WISEST will no longer be placing students in nursing and nutrition, we encourage young men to explore opportunities with programs such as HYRS.

Indigenous Students: 
WISEST is committed to increasing representation for Indigenous students in STEM fields. We hold dedicated spots in our Summer Research Program and provide access to mentorship from Indigenous role models. 
Indigenous students are encouraged to apply for travel and accommodation subsidies within the SRP application form. The subsidy is available for students living on or off campus If you need support with the application process, please reach out to wisest@ualberta.ca

2024 Summer Research Program Dates

The Summer Research Program runs from July 3 - August 14, 2024.

  • Student Applications: March 6 - April 3, 2024
  • Supervisor Proposals: March 8 - April 17, 2024

Apply Now!

PI/Supervisor Proposal

Promotional Poster


2024 Celebration of Research

Friends, family, researchers, and beyond are welcome to join us in celebrating the hard work the WISEST student researchers have done this summer. 

Where: TBD

When: August 14th, 2024


Program Details

Research Work

Research is interdisciplinary in nature. It can take place behind a research bench, in an office space, or in the field. Computer work can also play an integral role in trail-blazing research.

In this program, students get to work with top researchers and innovators and become a part of the research team within the lab. Most of the research opportunities available are in laboratories located at the U of A campus, but some involve fieldwork. Research projects change every year. Participants will learn of their placement once accepted to the program. Previous project descriptions can be viewed in the archive of the WISEST Journal of Student Research.

In 2017, WISEST piloted an industry placement with The City of Edmonton. Building these relationships with outside partners allows students the support and experience of working in the community. These placements are unique, and designed to allow students to fully participate in scheduled on-campus programming. Students are asked to indicate their preference for an industry placement during the application process.

Once accepted into the program, students are expected to meet the following criteria throughout their internship:

  • Work a full work week for six weeks and earn an hourly wage.
  • Learn through literature reviews, hands-on experimentation, and trial and error.
  • Engage in research both independently and in a team.
  • Contribute to trail-blazing research and a research project.
Professional Development

Each week, WISEST students meet to develop new skills and learn more about various science, engineering and technology career and/or education fields.

Previous professional development sessions have included: on-campus tours of various research facilities and labs; off-campus tours of diverse industries that employ science, engineering or technology professionals; networking opportunities with women, gender diverse and strong allies who work in science, engineering, and technology fields to learn about different career options, educational and professional fields, and potential career successes and challenges; and training focused on developing and strengthening professionalism, communications skills, and delivering effective presentations.

Lunch n' Learns

In addition to professional development, students also participate in weekly Lunch n' Learns. These informal sessions are opportunities for students to meet with other WISEST students, and to prepare for other components of the program.

The following are examples of past Lunch n' Learns:

  • U of A Question & Answer
  • The Art of Networking
  • Designing a Research Poster
Celebration of Research
The Celebration of Research takes place on the last day of the SRP. It is an event for students to showcase their final research poster project to family, friends, other researchers, University and Government dignitaries, and to Program Partners and Contributors. Students gain confidence and professional presentation skills from this event and they are often featured in local media.
Virtual Components

Please note that the 2024 Summer Research Program will be hosted primarily at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, however, there may be some component of the program that will run virtually such as role model panels, meetings and some social events.