From July 16-18, the U.S. Amgen Scholars met at UCLA for the 5th annual Amgen Scholars U.S. Symposium, hosted by the Amgen Foundation in collaboration with MIT. Established in 2006, Amgen Scholars provides undergraduate students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research experience at 13 of the world’s leading universities. The participating universities seek to match students with faculty members who will both inspire and challenge them.
During the symposium, 258 Amgen Scholars from across the U.S. had the opportunity to discuss their summer research projects, learn more about biotechnology and scientific careers, and hear firsthand from industry and academic scientists. A similar symposium will be held in September at University of Cambridge for the European Amgen Scholars.
The U.S. Amgen Scholars were selected from nearly 3,000 applicants to participate in the summer research experience and attend the mid-summer symposium. Under the mentorship of faculty members, the participating students – representing 132 colleges and universities across 43 U.S. states – will explore areas of research beyond what they may be able to do as part of their regular undergraduate education.
The Amgen Scholars Program is quickly becoming one of the most competitive and sought-after summer research programs. In its first year, the Amgen Scholars program received approximately 2,200 applications. By 2011, that number has more than doubled to 5,600 applications, with only 332 openings available across the U.S. and Europe. In addition, more than 80 percent of program alumni who have graduated from college are now pursuing an advanced degree or a career in science or engineering, with many in scientific PhD programs at top universities across the world.
For more information about Amgen Scholars, please visit www.amgenscholars.com.
Video: Watch how the Amgen Scholars Symposium gives students a chance to network with each other and learn about biotechnology.
Photo: More than 250 undergraduates from across the U.S. met at UCLA from July 16-18 for the 5th Annual Amgen Scholars Symposium.
