Program Dates

The dates for Summer 2025 will be released at a later date.

In past summers, the program has ranged from 9-10 weeks. For reference, Summer 2024 dates were June 5 - August 10, 2024.

Program Eligibility

PRIMO is open to continuing students (rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors) who are in good standing at a 4-year undergraduate institution in the United States. International students who are enrolled at a U.S. based institution are eligible to apply; international students will need to work with their home institution for CPT work authorization if selected. Upon completion of the program, students must return to their home institution to complete their undergraduate degrees. We are unable to sponser participants from institutions outside of the U.S., recent graduates, or graduate students. Individuals taking summer school courses, preparing for summer graduate school entrance exam, or engaging in full-time public service projects are not eligible to participate in PRIMO.

Program Expectations

PRIMO Fellows are expected to fully participate in all aspects of summer programming. Expectations throughout the summer may include, and not limited to:

• Commit to Program Dates. Program dates are not flexible; Fellows must commit to the full duration of the program;
• Commit to Community Standards. Fellows agree to uphold the community values at HBS as well as those outlined in the Harvard University student handbook, creating a robust and exciting living, learning, and social community of undergraduate researchers;
• Summer Project Work. Fellows are assigned 1:1 to an HBS faculty mentor to work on 1 summer project;
• Write a Project Abstract. Fellows are expected write a summary of their project work to be featured in the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village Abstract Book;
• Participate in Weekly Professional Development Series. Fellows are expected to attend and participate in academic presentations by HBS faculty and doctoral students, along with professional development workshops with topics such as public speaking and presentation skills, resume workshop, graduate admissions, and more;
• Final Presentation. Fellows are expected to give a final presentation on their summer project work and findings to their faculty and PRIMO peers during the last week of the program;
• Attend Trainings. Typical trainings include IRB certification, writing workshop, and responsible conduct in research training;
• Special Campus-Wide Events, Evenings Programs, and Recreational Programs. There will be additional programming, guest speakers, and events hosted by the Harvard University Summer Research Village on evenings and weekends. There will be a calendar to designate mandatory or optional activities, including a variety of excursions in the Boston area and Fellow-initiated community events.

Program Support

The program will provide Fellows with the following to enhance their summer experience; inclusive of, and not limited to:

• Housing. On campus housing at Harvard University;
• Meals. Meal plan that includes three meals per day in a Harvard dining hall, along with some meals provided at HBS Spangler Center;
• Stipend. A living stipend to support additional expenses. The stipend for Summer 2024 was $3,500;
• Fitness Center. Free use of Harvard athletic facilities, including the Malkin Athletic Center, Hemenway Gymnasium, and Blodgett Pool.
• Professional Photos. Professional headshot photo to use for LinkedIn;
• Doctoral Student Mentorship. 1:1 support with an HBS doctoral student mentor to provide academic and collegial support;
• Proctor Support. On-site residential Proctor through the Harvard University Summer Research Village to provide academic and collegial support;
• Faculty Support. Guidence and support from your faculty project mentor, along with the opportunity to connect with other HBS faculty throughout the summer;
• Doctoral Office Support. Guidence and support from the HBS Doctoral Programs Office staff.
• Harvard University Summer Research Village Support. Guidence and support from the HUSRV staff.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Summer 2025 projects will be shared to applicants at a later date. Applicants can view the Summer 2024 projects featured in the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village Abstract Book. PRIMO starts on page 59. Applicants may view all projects between 2012-2014 here.

Faculty members develop research projects for undergraduates and mentor them throughout the process. Projects may come from individuals or small groups of faculty in a research lab setting, and doctoral students may also be involved as junior mentors and research colleagues. PRIMO fellows will have access to the research resources of HBS. Students will be asked to indicate three research areas of interest in their application.