A summer program to train students in cancer research.
Official title: Summer Program for Academic Research in Cancer (SPARC)
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10928696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The Summer Program for Academic Research in Cancer at Indiana University invites undergraduate and first-year medical students to spend 10 weeks learning about cancer research through hands-on projects, workshops, and mentorship from experienced doctors, helping them prepare for future careers in this important field.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $284,997 |
| NIH project number | 5R25CA269039-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are undergraduate and first-year medical students interested in pursuing careers in cancer research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not students or who are not pursuing a career in cancer research may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
The Summer Program for Academic Research in Cancer (SPARC) at Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center offers undergraduate and first-year medical students the opportunity to engage in cancer-focused research. Participants will spend 10 weeks conducting research under mentorship, attending workshops, and shadowing physician-scientists. This program aims to prepare students for careers in cancer-related fields through hands-on experience and professional development. Students from across the country are encouraged to apply, with a focus on those from major universities in Indiana.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could inspire and equip the next generation of cancer researchers and healthcare professionals.
How similar studies have gone: Similar educational programs have successfully trained students in various medical fields, indicating a strong potential for success in this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nakshatri, Harikrishna — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Nakshatri, Harikrishna
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.