The ADVANCE Undergraduate Institute (AUI) is a one-day intensive institute sponsored by Stanford Biosciences taking place on March 27th, 2027. AUI is designed to introduce aspiring scientists to the Stanford University campus and provide guidance on the graduate school admissions process. AUI scholars will take part in PhD prep workshops, Q&A panels with Stanford Bioscience PhD students and faculty, and take part in mock-interviews with Stanford faculty. After completing the one-day institute, students have access to the AUI network and can engage with previous participants who are currently enrolled in a PhD in the Biosciences.

During the event students will also have the opportunity to present their current research as a poster presentation and receive feedback from Stanford graduate students and faculty. AUI Scholars will also get to hear oral presentations from current Stanford ADVANCE Institute graduate student scholars.

*AUI is RESTRICTED to students located in the SF Bay Area at the time of the event* 

*Transportation to the Stanford University School of Medicine campus will be supported via public transportation options (local buses, BART, CalTrains)*

Application Opens:  Wednesday, November 16th, 2026.

Application Deadline: Application closes on Friday, January 24th, 2027.

AUI Program Date: Saturday March 27th 2027

Eligibility:

• Continuing student at a 4-year university.
• Completed at least 2 semesters or 3 quarters (Sophomores and up)
• Graduating seniors taking a gap year or at a post-bacc program are welcome to apply.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a PhD in the Biosciences (i.e. some prior scientific research experience or intent to participate in research in the upcoming academic year).

Note: AUI is not designed to provide programming related to the Medical School admissions or MSTP (MD/PhD) admissions, it is only for the Biosciences PhD programs.

Application Requirements:

• Completed application, which includes a Personal Statement, CV, background information, and letters of recommendation, all must be submitted by the January 24th, 2027 deadline.
• Unofficial transcript
• 300 word Research Abstract of your current project. Abstract will be reviewed independently from the AUI application.
• One (1) letter of recommendation
  • Recommendation letter(s) from someone familiar with your previous/current research and/or graduate level research potential (PIs, research program directors, etc.) are strongly encouraged.
  • Recommendation letter(s) should touch upon your capacity and motivation to conduct research at the graduate level.
  • Check out these Ten Simple Rules for Navigating the Reference Letter Seeking Process

Timeline: 

• Application closes on January 24, 2027 at 11:59pm PST
• Selected participants notified by the last week of February; selected participants will have 48 hours to accept or decline their offer.
• Stanford staff will be in contact in early March with further details
• ADVANCE Undergraduate Institute (AUI) program dates is March 27th 2027

CLICK HERE to APPLY  to AUI 2026

Questions? Email the Director, Marco Monroy, PhD at mmonroy@stanford.edu  and include “AUI” in the subject line.