The RAIN Undergraduate Research Student Exchange
in Idaho application for Summer 2026
is now OPEN!

[For non-Idaho students only]

[Important Note: All positions for 2026 are subject to
INBRE-5 funding availability]

Completed applications are due February 1, 2026.

The Regional Alliance of INBRE Networks (RAIN) was formed to support regional collaborations focused on common scientific themes.  Opportunities exist for undergraduate students from the region to participate in transformative research experiences in the RAIN states. Individual INBRE Programs within RAIN host expertise-specific student programs, such as lab fellowships, workshops, and summer camps.

Students from RAIN states (Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, and Wyoming) interested in visiting and working in Idaho may apply for a 2026 RAIN Undergraduate Research Student Exchange in Idaho at the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, Boise State University, or the Idaho Veterans Research and Education Foundation at the Boise VA Medical Center.

The Idaho INBRE Program is offering paid research awards for students interested in biomedical research. The Idaho INBRE RAIN Undergraduate Research Student Exchange is a competitive monetary award for students (INBRE RAIN Undergraduate Researchers) to conduct mentored research. The program pays each awarded INBRE RAIN Undergraduate Researcher to work full-time in an established faculty laboratory for 10 weeks during the summer. In addition to conducting guided research, INBRE RAIN Undergraduate Researchers will attend professional development and scientific seminar presentations and will prepare a poster highlighting their work to be presented at the Idaho INBRE Research Conference in Moscow.

Details of the program:

      Program Starting Date: May 20, 2026
      Program Ending Date: July 31, 2026
      Pay: up to $7200 for the summer (paid as hourly wage over the working dates of the program)

How To Apply:

1. Choose a Faculty Preceptor – the list of faculty preceptors is in the left column at Research Preceptors – Idaho INBRE.
2. Contact Preceptor – Talk with your chosen preceptor before submitting your application and be sure they agree to mentor you if you are selected as an Undergraduate Researcher. If you are unfamiliar with the faculty on the campus you’re applying to, reach out to your INBRE campus lead for assistance. Click here for INBRE Campus Lead contact information.  
3. Complete application.
4. Obtain/Submit a copy of your most recent college transcripts – unofficial copies are acceptable. Be sure to save the transcripts in an easily accessible PDF format.
5. Identify 1 reference and invite them to submit their reference using the ‘Register References’ tab in the left-hand column of the online application form – references from science faculty/instructors are preferred. The Register References tab is available as soon as you begin your application so invite your references early! References are due February 1, 2026.
6. Complete and Submit the Application form by the due date of February 1, 2026.

For questions, contact the INBRE office at inbre@uidaho.edu or 208-885-5373.

The RAIN Undergraduate Research Student Exchange is competitive. The number of applications we receive will exceed the available awards.  To be considered for a RAIN Undergraduate Research Student Exchange award we must receive your completed application including transcripts and letters of reference by the due date of February 1, 2026.  We cannot consider incomplete packets.

Undergraduate Research awards will be announced in Spring 2026 (~February 19, 2026).

How are students selected to be INBRE RAIN Undergraduate Researchers?
The INBRE Undergraduate Researchers are the best and brightest undergraduate students in the RAIN Region. The selection process is competitive and rigorous. Students submit an application form that includes a few short essays, one reference, and their college transcript(s).

Requirements for being an Undergraduate Researcher:  1) Students must currently be enrolled at an institution in a RAIN state (Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming). 2) Students must be graduating on or after December 2026. Students graduating in May or August 2026 are not eligible for Undergraduate Research awards in 2026.

Criteria for Undergraduate Researcher selection

The following criteria are used by Idaho INBRE when choosing RAIN Visiting Undergraduate Researchers. These criteria are considered as a ‘whole’, and not necessarily in the order listed.

• Interest in biomedical science and research
• Academic record, including science classes taken, and GPA
• Reference letters
• Date of expected graduation
• Current institution – with consideration given for the research opportunities available to you at that institution
• Family educational background
• State in which you graduated high school (preference is given for those who graduated high school in the Western INBRE region)
• Obstacles you have overcome to obtain your education

***Idaho INBRE RAIN Undergraduate Researchers will be offered a package that includes summer pay and housing. Travel for 1 round-trip to/from Idaho is available from your HOME state. RAIN awardees should contact their HOME state INBRE office for details.

____________________

The Regional Alliance of INBRE Networks (RAIN) was formed to support regional collaborations focused on common scientific themes.  Opportunities exist for undergraduate students from the region to participate in transformative research experiences in the RAIN states. Individual INBRE Programs within RAIN host expertise-specific student programs, such as lab fellowships, workshops, and summer camps.

The RAIN Undergraduate Student Exchange Program is competitive. The number of applications we receive will exceed the available awards.  To be considered for a RAIN Undergraduate Student Exchange award, we must receive your completed application including transcripts and letters of reference by the due date listed on the applicable application.

How are students selected to be RAIN Students?
INBRE students are the best and brightest undergraduate students in the Western IDeA Region. The selection process is competitive and rigorous. Students submit an application form that includes a few short essays, their GPA, letters of recommendation and their college transcript(s).

Requirements for being a RAIN Undergraduate Student:
1) Students must currently be enrolled at an institution in a RAIN state (Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming).
2) Students must be graduating on or after December 2026. Students graduating in May or August 2026 will not be eligible in 2026.

Criteria for selection:
The following criteria are used by Idaho INBRE when choosing Visiting RAIN Students. These criteria are considered as a ‘whole’, and not necessarily in the order listed.

1. Interest in biomedical science and research
2. Academic record, including science classes taken and GPA
3. Reference letters
4. Date of expected graduation
5. Current institution – with consideration given for the research opportunities available to you at that institution
6. Family educational background
7. State in which you graduated high school (preference is given for those who graduated high school in the Western INBRE region)
8. Obstacles you have overcome to obtain your education

***RAIN Exchange Students are responsible for their housing and transportation costs for the 10-week fellowship period. One exception – Depending on availability and interest, there MAY be the option to include housing at the University of Idaho.