The University of Illinois School of Molecular & Cellular Biology is pleased to announce that AbbVie and the Black Business Network in partnership with the school have funded a new Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) that provides financial support for a student conducting research on campus. The new fellowship will support an MCB student who is from a population that has been historically underrepresented in the sciences and research careers.

AbbVie is a global research and development-based biopharmaceutical company based in North Chicago, Ill. The Black Business Network, an employee resource group, promotes career advancement and professional development by sponsoring career initiatives to develop and sustain the next generation of leaders at AbbVie.

“We are committed to diversifying our student body and removing any barriers that may exist for underrepresented students who are passionate about research and want to gain experience working in one of our faculty labs,” said Milan Bagchi, director of the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology and Deborah Paul Endowed Professor of Molecular & Cellular Biology.

MCB’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships program provides financial stipends to students who conduct full-time research in faculty labs. Approximately 35-40 awards are offered each year thanks to funding from the school and its generous alumni and friends. The stipends range from $4,000 to $6,000 for a summer appointment.

The experience provides students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to work alongside innovative and supportive Illinois faculty and graduate students. Students also develop their analytical and communication skills as they manage projects and deliver presentations about their research.

The AbbVie BBN SURF will be effective for Summer 2021.