BRIC-inStem SuRF Summer Fellowship 2026 : Guide & Deadlines

What is the BRIC-inStem SuRF Summer Fellowship 2026?

The BRIC-inStem SuRF Summer Fellowship 2026 is a 10-week full-time research internship offered by the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) in Bengaluru. inStem is India’s first dedicated stem cell research institute, functioning under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. The institute is located within the Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster (BLiSC) campus, one of the country’s most active hubs for interdisciplinary life science research.

SuRF stands for Summer Research Fellowships. The program places selected students in inStem’s advanced research labs where they work on defined projects under the supervision of faculty members. The core goal is to give students a realistic taste of PhD-level research, helping them build experimental skills and understand the discipline required for a doctoral career. The 2026 edition marks the third year of this fellowship program, and inStem has emphasized diversity and inclusivity in its selection process.

What Does the Fellowship Offer?

Selected fellows receive a stipend of Rs. 10,000 per month, which amounts to Rs. 25,000 for the full 10-week duration. While the stipend is modest, the real value of this fellowship lies in the research exposure and professional development it provides.

The program begins with an orientation session that introduces fellows to the inStem campus, its research facilities, and the broader BLiSC ecosystem. After orientation, each fellow is placed in a specific inStem lab where they work on a defined research project. During this period, students learn experimental techniques, develop scientific thinking, and practice designing experiments to address research questions.

Beyond lab work, the program includes a lecture series featuring talks by eminent scientists from inStem and other leading research institutions in Bengaluru. At the end of the 10 weeks, every fellow is required to present their research findings as a short scientific talk to the inStem campus community. This is an excellent opportunity to develop scientific communication skills early in your career. Upon successful completion, all fellows receive an official internship certificate from inStem.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for SuRF 2026, you must be currently enrolled in a recognized degree program. Students who have already completed their degree before the internship starts are not eligible. The year-wise eligibility requirements are as follows:

1. M.Sc. or M.Tech. students: Must have completed 1st year and be entering 2nd year by summer 2026.

2. B.Sc. (4-year), B.Tech. (4-year), or B.Pharm (4-year) students: Must have completed 3rd year and be entering 4th year by summer 2026.

3. Integrated 5-year B.Sc.-M.Sc. or B.Tech.-M.Tech. students: Must have completed 4th year and be entering 5th year by summer 2026.

4. M.B.B.S. students: Must have completed 2nd or 3rd year and be entering 3rd or 4th year by summer 2026.

One important condition that many applicants overlook: you must continue your studies after the summer internship. If your degree ends before or during the program, you are not eligible.

Another point worth noting is that this fellowship is not restricted to Life Sciences students. inStem actively encourages applications from students in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. While Life Sciences backgrounds do receive preference, students from other disciplines with a genuine interest in stem cell research have been selected in past editions as well.

Selection Process

The selection for SuRF Fellowship is merit-based and considers multiple factors. The selection committee evaluates your overall academic performance, research interest and motivation, how well your interests align with ongoing research at inStem, the quality of your reference letters, and your overall suitability as a candidate. Lab space and availability also play a role in the final selection.

During the application, you are asked to choose three Principal Investigators (PIs) whose labs you would like to work in. This is a critical part of the application. Before making your choices, spend time reviewing the research profiles of inStem faculty on their official website. A strong match between your interests and a PI’s research area significantly improves your chances.

Selected candidates are notified via email.

How to Apply

The application process for SuRF 2026 is entirely online. Here is a step-by-step breakdown:

Step 1: Visit the official SuRF application portal at https://surf.instem.res.in/.

Step 2: Create your account and register on the portal.

Step 3: Fill in the application form with your personal and academic details.

Step 4: Upload the required documents. These include your academic credentials, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), details of any prior research experience, and one reference letter.

Step 5: Select three Principal Investigators (PIs) you wish to work with. Review their research areas on the inStem website before making your choices.

Step 6: Review all details carefully and submit your application.

Your Statement of Purpose deserves the most attention. Clearly articulate what drew you to research, what you hope to learn at inStem, and how this fellowship fits into your broader career goals. A well-written SOP that demonstrates genuine curiosity and clarity of purpose can make a significant difference in your selection outcome.

Important Dates

The key dates for BRIC-inStem SuRF Summer Fellowship 2026 are:

Application Deadline: 1 March 2026 (11:59 PM)

Selection Notification: 1 April 2026

Program Duration: 18 May 2026 to 27 July 2026 (10 weeks)

Please Note: The application deadline for the 2026 edition has passed. If you missed this cycle, start preparing for next year’s edition. Applications typically open in January or February each year.

Research Areas at inStem

inStem’s faculty members work across a wide range of cutting-edge research areas. These include stem cell biology, tissue regeneration, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine. Researchers at inStem use diverse model systems including embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, yeast, fruit flies, flatworms, and mice to study different aspects of stem cell biology and regeneration. The research spans from fundamental biological processes to translational work with direct clinical impact. Whether your interest lies in cell biology, genetics, or computational approaches, there is a strong possibility of finding a relevant research group at inStem.

Why This Fellowship Matters

For students considering a research career in India, the SuRF Fellowship offers value that goes well beyond the stipend amount. First, it provides genuine hands-on lab experience at one of India’s premier research institutes, which adds significant weight to your academic profile. Second, when you apply for PhD programs later, having a structured research internship from inStem on your CV is a meaningful advantage. Admissions committees consistently prefer candidates who have demonstrated research aptitude through such programs. Third, the 10 weeks at BLiSC give you the chance to interact with experienced researchers, fellow interns, and visiting scientists, building a professional network that can open doors to future collaborations and opportunities.

Many past fellows have noted that while the financial support is limited, the research training, mentorship, and professional connections they gained during the program proved invaluable for their subsequent academic journeys.

Contact Information

For any queries about the BRIC-inStem SuRF Fellowship 2026, you can reach out through the following channels:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +91-80-2292-5000

Address: Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), GKVK Post, Bellary Road, Bengaluru 560065, India

Official Website: https://surf.instem.res.in/

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is the SuRF Fellowship only for Life Sciences students?
No. While Life Sciences students receive preference, the program is open to students from Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as well. Students from non-biology backgrounds have been selected in previous editions.

Q2. Can students who have completed their degree apply?
No. You must be currently enrolled in your degree program at the time of the internship. Students who have finished their degree before the program starts are not eligible.

Q3. What is the stipend amount?
Selected fellows receive Rs. 10,000 per month. For the full 10-week program, this totals Rs. 25,000.

Q4. Where does the program take place?
The program is held at the inStem campus within the Bangalore Life Sciences Cluster (BLiSC) in Bengaluru. It is a full-time, on-campus program for all 10 weeks.

Q5. What factors are considered during selection?
The selection committee looks at academic performance, research interest, Statement of Purpose, reference letters, and compatibility with inStem faculty research areas. Lab space availability is also a factor.

Q6. Is accommodation provided?
The official notification does not specifically mention accommodation arrangements. It is advisable to contact inStem directly at [email protected] for the latest details on housing support for fellows.

Q7. Can I apply if I am from a college outside Bengaluru?
Yes. inStem welcomes applications from students across India. There is no geographic restriction on eligibility.