Frequently Asked Questions | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Skip Navigation Frequently Asked Questions Close the left navigation Add NIEHS Scholars Connect Program About NIEHS – What is NIEHS? The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is one of 27 institutes and centers that comprise the prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIEHS campus is in Research Triangle Park, NC near Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham. The mission of NIEHS is to discover how the environment affects people in order to promote healthier lives. Research at NIEHS – What research is carried out at NIEHS? NIEHS is committed to research and houses the following broad laboratories: Predictive Toxicology Branch Biostatistics & Computational Biology Branch Comparative & Molecular Pathogenesis Branch Clinical Research Branch Comparative Medicine Branch Epidemiology Branch Epigenetics & RNA Biology Laboratory Genome Integrity & Structural Biology Laboratory Immunity, Inflammation, and Disease Laboratory Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory Neurobiology Laboratory Mechanistic Toxicology Branch Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory Systems Toxicology Branch Or you can see a comprehensive list of all the research groups within the laboratories About the Program – What is NSCP? The NIEHS Scholars Connect Program (NSCP) is an excellent opportunity for highly motivated STEM focused undergraduate students considering a career in biomedical sciences to conduct research at a premier research institute. This academic-year paid internship provides the opportunity for mentored research experience, as well as career and professional development. Eligibility – Who is eligible to apply? Applications are invited from students from all academic institutions within the commuting area, including HBCUs and community colleges. Students must be matriculating to participate. Students must be enrolled in a STEM undergraduate program and must be a junior or senior upon the beginning of the Program. Students from underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Must be a US citizen or a Permanent Resident. Credits – Can I get credits for my research done as a NSCP scholar? Yes, you may arrange to receive credit for Research/Elective courses from your degree institution. Stipend – What is the allowable stipend? Summer: $3,150 (junior) and $3,310 (senior) per month Fall/Spring: Prorated for 15 hours/week Commitment and Program Details – What is my commitment and what are the program details? Please check the NSCP 2025-26 time frame below. 3 Connections (semesters) of research in host labs 40 hours/week during the Summer Connection 15 hours/week during the Fall and Spring Connections Research Presentations Summer Connection: Poster Presentation during SIP Poster Session Fall Connection: Elevator Pitch Style Presentation Spring Connection: NSCP Symposium Scholar Seminar Series Each Connection seminars are specifically designed for the Program Attendance is required Seminars include scientific, professional and career development topics Application Period – When is the application period? Mid-November – Mid-February (exact dates may vary) Early March – Interviews and/or Selection Day Mid-March – Decision letters Application Requirements – What are the requirements to apply? At least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, preferably with 3.5 + in STEM courses STEM major – a rising junior or senior Interested in pursuing STEM related career Complete online application You will need to submit your resume – be sure to include all your relevant accomplishments You will need to submit two to three letters of recommendation – get in touch with your references during the early step of the application. References should typically be individuals from an academic/STEM community, and who has a knowledge of your motivation, interests, and accomplishments. In addition, you will submit your transcript, STEM major, US citizenship or Permanent Residency and your rising junior or senior status. Participation in Selection Day: an opportunity to visit NIEHS, meet with potential mentors and lab hosts. Application Method – How do I apply? Application form is available online during the application window We do not accept paper applications Please complete all the requirements of the application process to be fully considered Application Method – Do I need to contact a PI/Mentor in order to submit an application? Although this is not a requirement, if you are interested in a particular research group, you may absolutely do so. However, depending upon interest specified in your personal statement and your choice of research interest(s) in the application form, we will try our best to provide a match with a lab within that area. Application Confirmation – After submitting my application will I get a confirmation? Yes – you will receive an e-mail confirming that your application has been received. Important Dates – What is the application deadline and when will I be notified? Mid-November – Mid-February (actual dates may vary) Early March – Interviews and/or Selection Day Mid-March – Decision letters Starting as a Scholar – What are the requirements for starting as a Scholar? Formal offer and acceptance Complete and submit all required paperwork Orientation and Boot Camp (first week) are mandatory Time Frame – What is the time frame of the program? NSCP 2025-2026 - To be determined Transportation – Where can I get information about transportation to NIEHS? Capital Area Transit (CAT) (Raleigh) Tel 919-828-SCAT (7228) Chapel Hill Transit (CHT) Tel 919-968-2769 Duke University Transit (Durham) Tel 919-684-2218 Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) Tel 919-683-DATA (3282) NCSU Wolfline (Raleigh) Tel 919-821-2111 Provides Transportation for Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Research Triangle Park: Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) Tel 919-549-9999 UNC-CAR (Chapel Hill) Campus Area Rideshare Tel 919-962-1501 Back to Top Last Reviewed: January 27, 2026