The Wu Tsai Undergraduate Fellowships offer a 9-week summer program designed to immerse undergraduates from diverse backgrounds in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research at the intersections of neuroscience, cognitive science, and computational engineering. This program provides a unique environment for students to work closely with world-class faculty and researchers, exploring complex scientific questions and innovative approaches to understanding the mind and brain. Additionally, the fellowship includes professional development programming to equip students with the skills and guidance needed to pursue impactful research careers.
The Wu Tsai Undergraduate Fellowships provide summer interdisciplinary research opportunities in topics related to interdisciplinary neuroscience, cognitive science, and neuroscience-related computing and engineering to undergraduates from a diverse array of backgrounds.
Undergraduate Summer Fellows work under the mentorship of affiliated Wu Tsai Faculty, postdocs, and graduate students from departments across biology, psychology, computer science, and related disciplines. Examples of research areas include brain imaging and neurofeedback, machine learning and robotics, and neuron structure and function.
Students engage in professional development workshops, panel discussions, and career exploration sessions, building a robust network within the Wu Tsai Institute Community at Yale. These experiences, along with specialized training in research communication and presentation, equip students with the skills and connections essential for advancing in research-focused careers.
The program will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and will conclude on Friday, July 24, 2026. Fellows receive a competitive stipend for participation in a minimum of 9 weeks of summer research.
Wu Tsai Undergraduate Summer Fellows are expected to dedicate their full time to their research project and participate in all program activities. They may not undertake any other projects, courses, or employment during this time.
Fellows receive a competitive stipend for the 9-week program, which runs from May 26 -July 24, 2026. Fellows are expected to commit to the full dates of the program or if there is an academic conflict with the start or end dates of the program, we can only grant 1-week exceptions.
Faculty Mentor placements:
Students interested in the program may identify up to three Yale Wu Tsai Faculty Members with whom they would like to work, listing these faculty in order of preference in case their top choice is unavailable.
· Students who do not yet have a mentor are encouraged to contact potential mentors in advance to discuss summer research opportunities (Try using our Email Template to get started)
· Students who have already secured a Wu Tsai Faculty Mentor for the summer are also welcome to apply (and no need to list additional mentors).
*Here are some helpful talking points/questions to discuss in your initial meetings to assess if the prospective faculty mentors are a good fit.
To help you explore potential mentors and project areas, we’ve compiled a list of Wu Tsai Institute Faculty Members who are interested in hosting undergraduate researchers this summer. You can browse their project descriptions and contact information here.
Applications are due by 7:00 pm on February 17, 2026