ResearchHub Login
BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR)TrainingUndergraduate & Medical Students

Undergraduate & Medical Students

We are committed to fulfilling the research education needs of undergraduate and medical students.

Undergraduate & Medical Student Opportunities

BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) brings together faculty from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) across multiple departments. Researchers collaborate across diverse fields with a shared goal of improving the health and well-being of children and families.

The INtegrated Student Program In Research Education (INSPIRE) and Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) are the only formal BCCHR training programs that place prospective undergraduate or medical students directly into research or clinical teams. All other undergraduate and medical student research positions are arranged through their home institution, with supervision provided by a BCCHR Investigator.

University-Affiliated Research Placement

BCCHR Investigators may recruit students through university-affiliated programs such as: work learn, directed studies or research practicum courses, honours thesis or capstone projects, co-op programs, clinical electives/research electives or summer research awards (e.g. NSERC USRA, FoM SSRP, etc.).

Timelines and availability vary by program. Prospective students are encouraged to contact their university career centre or consult their department for details.

Prospective students may also contact BCCHR Investigators directly to inquire about opportunities:

How can I stand out if I don’t have any hands-on research experience?

Standing out without prior research experience is possible, but you will need to demonstrate your potential, motivation, and readiness to learn.

  • Show genuine interest in the research – Reference a specific paper, project, or topic. Explain what you found interesting and ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate curiosity and engagement
  • Highlight your transferable skills – Draw on course projects and other experiences to showcase skills such as data analysis, critical thinking, communication, and organization
  • Start building relevant skills – Take initiative by learning basic tools (e.g., R, Python), completing online courses, or joining student clubs related to your field of interest
  • Be a good mentee – Demonstrate professionalism by being reliable, responsive, and clear in your communication. Supervisors value students who are eager to learn and take feedback
Where can I find out more about available opportunities?

Undergraduate and medical students commonly hear about research opportunities through:

  • University Career Centers
  • Department newsletters or bulletin boards
  • Teaching assistants, graduate students, or academic advisors
  • Course instructors
  • Research team websites or social media – many BCCHR researchers maintain their own sites/social media profiles
  • Student clubs and associations
  • University research fairs and networking events


For current staff, faculty or student opportunities affiliated with BCCHR, please visit:

What should I know before contacting a research team directly?

When reaching out to a research team, be sure to:

  • Introduce yourself including your academic background, experiences, and research interests
  • Attach key documents including your CV/resume, scholarly publications, and transcripts
  • Explain why you are interested in their research specifically
  • Express interest in meeting with the research team

Avoid sending generic emails to multiple researchers. Personalized, thoughtful messages are far more effective.

If you don’t receive a response, keep in mind that researchers often have limited capacity and receive a high volume of inquiries



International Exchange or Visiting Students

Visiting students may be eligible to receive research credit or extend placements from their home institution while training with a BCCHR Investigator. Eligibility requirements vary, so students should consult their home institution.

Volunteers

BCCHR does not offer a centralized volunteer program for research placements. Students interested in volunteering must contact individual researchers or research teams directly.

Volunteer opportunities are limited and depend on supervisor availability and capacity. To ensure the safety and security of the research environment, volunteer roles may be restricted in scope. 

Students interested in volunteering in a clinical capacity at BC Children’s Hospital should contact the BC Children’s Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary.

INtegrated Student Program In Research Education (INSPIRE)

INSPIRE aims to provide students with research training and practical experiences in child health research during the academic year. Students are matched with a mentor and contribute to a research project.

learn more

Summer Student Research Program

The Summer Student Research Program provides undergraduate and medical students with opportunities to engage in research projects related to child and family health.

learn more