Program Overview

The SMART International Summer School 2026 is an immersive research program jointly organized by the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART, https://smart.org.cn/en) and Shenzhen Bay Laboratory (SZBL, https://en.szbl.ac.cn).

Designed for highly motivated students with a strong interest in biomedical research, the program offers a unique opportunity to work closely with leading scientists in a dynamic, world-class research environment.

At the core of the program is a hands-on research internship in a host laboratory complemented by a curated series of academic, professional, and social activities. Applicants are encouraged to explore our faculty and research groups here:

SMART, https://smart.org.cn/en/faculty 

SZBL, https://en.szbl.ac.cn/research/groups.htm 

Program Details

1. Four-week immersive program

All participants will join the summer school cohort from July 20 to August 14, 2026, while the host-laboratory research internship may last longer depending on the mutual agreement between the participant and the host laboratory.

Research Internship: participants will take part in full-time, hands-on research in a host laboratory under faculty supervision. This includes contributing to ongoing research projects, participating in lab work and group meetings, and delivering a final presentation.

Summer School Activities: alongside their research, participants will engage in a range of academic, professional, and cultural activities, including:

•  Opening and closing sessions

•  Distinguished lectures and academic seminars

•  Workshops on scientific topics

•  Poster and/or oral research presentations

•  Guided tours of research facilities and laboratories

•  Visits to leading biotech companies

•  Networking with international peers

•  Cultural excursions and local exploration in Shenzhen

2. Language: English

3. Location: Shenzhen, China

4.  Program Fee: No application or participation fee will be charged.

Funding & Support

1. Stipend and Health Insurance: Host laboratories will provide a stipend and cover health insurance during the research period.

2. Accommodation: Complimentary housing will be provided in campus-style accommodations within walking distance of the research institutes.

3. Travel Support: Travel awards will be available to outstanding international applicants to support international travel costs (economy class round-trip airfare).

4. Visa Support: Guidance on visa applications will be provided for international participants. (Please note that visa approval cannot be guaranteed.)

5. Certification and Awards:

•  Certificate of Completion (jointly issued by SMART and SZBL)

•  Outstanding Participant Awards (for top-performing participants)

•  Outstanding participants may receive priority consideration for future graduate programs

Eligibility & Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from students who are:

• Undergraduate students (sophomore year or above)

• Master's students

• From relevant fields including, but not limited to, Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Materials Science, Psychology, and related disciplines.

Nationality:

Open to applicants of all nationalities; international students are welcome to apply

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate strong academic performance

• Have a clear interest in research and in pursuing a PhD degree

• Be proficient in English (e.g., native English speaker; applicants who have studied or trained in an English-speaking program; or those with TOEFL ≥ 90, IELTS ≥ 6.0, CET-6≥460, or equivalent qualifications)

• Be available to participate on-site for the full duration of the program

How to Apply

1. Application Deadline:

July 6th, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled (approximately 100 participants will be admitted).

International applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for visa processing and travel arrangements.

2. Contact a Host Laboratory:

Applicants should reach out to potential Principal Investigators (PIs) whose research aligns with their interests. Securing a host lab is a key requirement for participation and will help ensure a meaningful and productive research experience.

Please explore faculty profiles and reach out directly via email:

SMART: https://smart.org.cn/en/faculty 

SZBL: https://en.szbl.ac.cn/research/groups.htm 

*Applicants who have not yet secured a host lab are still welcome to apply. A matching process will be arranged based on research interests and lab availability. Matching outcomes depend on host lab capacity, and a successful matching is not guaranteed.

3. Submit Your Application:

Please combine all application materials into a single PDF file and submit it via email to:

•  Your prospective PI, AND

•  graduate_office @smart.org.cn

Subject line: 2026 Summer School – Name – University

Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Cover Letter (outlining your research interests and career goals)

• Personal Information Page of your valid passport (for international students)

• Student Status Certificate (or other proof of current enrollment, such as an official letter or a copy of your student ID)

• Academic transcript (with ranking, if available)

• Proof of English proficiency

• Publications or other academic outputs (if applicable)

Contact and Inquiries

Graduate Office

Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART)

Email: graduate_office@smart.org.cn