We invite third year undergraduate students from selected universities across Asia to apply for a fully-funded, 10-week internship to work with some of Australia’s leading scientists at WEHI, and at our partner institutions including the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne and Bio21 Institute.

International Student Program in Research Experience (InSPIRE) students will gain research experience our laboratories working in a range of research fields, such as:

• cell signalling
• cancer biology 
• infectious diseases
• epigenetics
• immunology
• bioinformatics
• structural biology
• medicinal chemistry

The InSPIRE program seeks to:

• Strengthen Australian medical research ties throughout Asia
• Promote and strengthen interaction and long-term collaboration with the brightest minds at top universities across Asia
• Engage with the next generation of passionate young scientists
• Promote Australian institutions and Australia as a location for cutting edge biomedical research

Internship opportunity for students across Asia

The internship is currently available to students from the following universities:

• Tsinghua University
• Nankai University
• Nanjing University
• Fudan University
• Zhejiang University
• Jinan University
• Ehime University
• Indian Institute of Science
• Nanyang Technological University
• National University of Singapore
• Osaka University

Students will have the opportunity to:

• Undertake a 10-week program with scholarship support
• Attend weekly lectures provided by scientific leaders
• Gain support from other Institute students and participate in social activities 
• Experience Melbourne and Victoria

Medical research in Australia

The Australian health and medical research industry makes significant impact internationally.

Australia produces more than 3% of world scientific publications yet accounts for about 0.3% of the world’s population. Discoveries made in Australia have revolutionised thinking around the immune system, advanced drug development and improved our use of technology. 

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is Australia’s oldest medical research institute. We are consistently ranked at the top of Australian research institutes for our work to improve the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of immune disorders, infectious diseases and cancer.

Application process

The internship program is open to students interested in all aspects of biomedical research, including computational biology, biological imaging and biochemistry.

Students are requested to contact their course co-ordinators to express their interest and provide:

• Academic record
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter: with scientific or research interests and motivations for joining this program (maximum 200 words)

Program partners

University of Melbourne

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute is the Department of Medical Biology of The University of Melbourne (UoM), Australia’s top ranked university. The Institute delivers Honours and PhD research training opportunities through the university. UoM hosts InSPIRE students as part of the program.

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) is a world leader in cancer research and cancer patient care. Peter Mac hosts InSPIRE students as part of the program.

Bio21 Institute

The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute is the University of Melbourne’s core research and development facility. The Bio21 Institute hosts InSPIRE students as part of the program.

Program supporters

The Australian Government’s National Foundation for Australia-China Relations

InSPIRE is supported by the NFACR that aims to strengthen existing ties between Australia and China and to build cooperation in areas of shared interest and mutual benefit, consistent with our national interest.

Australian China Education Foundation

InSPIRE is supported by the Australian China Education Foundation (ACEF), a not-for-profit organisation that promotes joint education intiatives between Australia and China. The ACEF provides scholarship support for InSPIRE students.

Bodhi Foundation

The Bodhi Foundation has provided philanthropic support to enable students to participate in the InSPIRE program.

China Construction Bank

  The China Construction Bank has provided donations to support the travel costs of InSPIRE students.

Skysea Home loans

  InSPIRE has received donations from Skysea Home Loans and its clients.

City of Melbourne

Australia is one of the world’s most culturally diverse countries where the most common language spoken other than English, is Mandarin.

Melbourne is a major centre for business, cultural and sporting activities and has been frequently been ranked 'the world's most liveable city' by The Economist.

InSPIRE is supported by the City of Melbourne.