UTMB Summer Institute in Biostatistics and Data Science
The objective of the UTMB Summer Institute in Biostatistics and Data Science (SIBDS) is to provide biostatistical research education and applied research opportunities to undergraduates. The SIBDS is sponsored by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), grant R25HL161715.
The SIBDS is a seven-week program from June 6th through July 25th, 2026. The structure of the program is through case based instruction of real biomedical research, computer laboratory training, research projects, and clinical and translational research enrichment activities.
The UTMB SIBDS application portal is currently OPEN!
Applications are due March 15, 2026, and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Applications completed before March 15, 2026, will be reviewed earlier. If there are still open slots after the March 15, 2026, deadline, we will continue to accept applications. APPLY HERE!!!
Coursework will focus on big data, translational research, and statistical models used in the analysis of biomedical studies. The program will further serve as a fundamental building block for students to understand the importance of biostatistics and its synergistic place in the biomedical sciences. Information on opportunities such as scholarships, training grant programs and assistantships in Biostatistics and Public Health will be presented to scholars. Scholars will be encouraged to apply to continue their graduate studies in biostatistics, statistics and/or data sciences and contribute toward the remedial of the current nationwide shortage of biostatisticians.
Scholars will be matched in groups of 2-3 scholars with a Biostatistics faculty mentor and a Basic Science or clinical faculty mentor for their selected research project. The projects are designed to provide the opportunity to engage in medical science research through biostatistics. After a supervised research period, trainees will present their accomplished projects to faculty and students at our concluding symposium.
Datasets of enormous complexity and size are being generated in the diverse areas of electronic health records, genomics, environmental monitoring, and social media. The insights that can and will be made from these data sources will inform the prevention and treatment of human diseases and play a major role in biology, medicine, and public health in the coming decade. More training is needed to prepare the next generation of scholars to address these challenges.
The Summer Institute in Biostatistics and Data Science has been designed to introduce undergraduate students to the growing number of approaches to biostatistics and data science:
Students gain a comprehensive overview of the field of biostatistics and data science by working on mentored research projects.
Participants will have the opportunity to take part in professional preparation activities.
At the conclusion of the summer institute, each research project group presents their findings and learns about other student projects at a concluding research symposium.
There are no fees or tuition costs associated with participation in the SIBDS. Transportation and lodging are provided by the SIBDS.
Scholars in the SIBDS program will be housed in the recently constructed dorms at Galveston College. SIBDS students will be housed in double rooms (each room includes two twin beds) with private bathrooms and a shared common space which includes a full kitchen and living area. The dorms include basic cooking appliances.
Housing is located in the middle of Galveston island, and students will commute by a college bus to the UTMB Campus.
Scholars will have full access to UTMB computing systems, library, and other academic facilities.
For any questions about the SIBDS program or application process, please contact Heidi Spratt.
Program Requirements and Support
Rising junior and senior undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply for the UTMB SIBDS. Priority admission will be given to disadvantaged students and to students from small liberal arts colleges which do not offer substantial coursework in statistics or biostatistics. Undergraduate students currently enrolled in a biological science major with a mathematics focus (e.g. mathematical biology, biochemistry) or a quantitative or computational based major (e.g. business, physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, bioengineering, statistics, or data science) are eligible to apply. We will review each situation on a case by case basis as well. We seek students that have an interest in biomedical issues.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0)
College graduates who have not started a graduate program are eligible to apply.
Anticipated enrollment for the 2026 SIBDS program is 20 students.
Participants have the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of stellar faculty at the University of Texas Medical Branch through available lectures and interaction with research project leaders. Graduate student research assistants also provide guidance with the projects.
There are numerous other summer programs in STEM fields available for undergraduates. The Summer Institute for Biostatistics and Data Science is quite unique. Our scholars will gain hands-on research experience in the intersection of big data, biostatistics, and human health.
