RCSI University of Medicine and Heath Sciences' 2026 Research Summer School is underway, with more than 170 undergraduate students taking part.

The RCSI Research Summer School provides undergraduate students with the unique opportunity to develop core research skills under the supervision of RCSI’s academic and research experts. The programme offers students a firsthand insight into the impactful research conducted across the University, inspiring them to consider future careers in healthcare research and innovation.

Now in its 16th year, the programme comprises two complementary streams. Students in the four-week taught research skills programme will take part in a series of workshops, seminars and laboratory-based training. Alongside this, students participating in the eight-week supervised research stream work directly with RCSI principal investigators and their teams on active research projects, gaining hands-on experience of research in practice.

This year’s supervised research projects span a broad range of biomedical science, clinical research and health systems disciplines. Research topics include cancer biology, immunotherapy, neurology, chronic disease, women’s health, patient experience and rehabilitation. Students will also contribute to projects focused on clinical pharmacy, medication safety and healthcare delivery, as well as emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digital health.

Students on the taught research skills programme will receive training in scientific hypothesis development, data management, clinical trial design, statistics and research presentation skills. The programme also introduces students to bioinformatics and genomic data analysis, evidence synthesis for policy impact, open research practices, sustainable lab practices and patient and public involvement (PPI). Practical sessions develop hands-on skills like pipetting and assays.

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at RCSI, Professor Tracy Robson highlighted the importance of the initiative: “The Research Summer School provides students with an invaluable opportunity to experience the excitement and impact of healthcare research firsthand. Through direct engagement with leading researchers and exposure to a wide range of disciplines, participants develop the skills, confidence and curiosity that will support them throughout their studies and future careers.”

As always, there will be a strong focus on professional development. Students will have opportunities to engage with researchers, clinicians and industry representatives through the ‘Career Pathways in Healthcare, Research and Industry’ showcase and career development workshops. A mental health first aid training module and simulation-based learning workshops are also offered as part of the programme, supporting students with broader personal and professional skills.

The annual Student Innovation Challenge, coordinated by Dr Aoife Gallagher, at the RCSI Office of Research and Innovation in collaboration with Dr Shona Pfeiffer (Deputy Director of the Research Summer School) allows students to apply their research skills to real-world healthcare challenges. Working in teams, participants develop innovative solutions to clinical and healthcare challenges before presenting their ideas to a panel of experts during the final pitch event.

Dr Niall Stevens, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Research Summer School, commented: “The breadth of this year’s programme reflects the evolving nature of healthcare research, spanning key topics like cancer, neurology and chronic disease as well as emerging areas such as AI and digital health. By combining hands-on project work with practical skills training and professional development opportunities, the Research Summer School helps students build a strong foundation for future careers in research, healthcare and innovation.”

The programme is supported by our network of clinical partners, RCSI Alumni and friends as well as RCSI industry and corporate partners including GSK, Théa Pharma and Medical Protection Society (MPS).