If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping beyond the lab and into the world where science shapes national decisions, the 2026 NIH Office of Science Policy (OSP) Summer Internship Program is a rare opportunity you should not miss. This prestigious internship is designed for students who want real-world exposure to how biomedical research, innovation, and public health priorities turn into national science policy.
Hosted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this highly competitive summer program selects only two interns each year, offering hands-on experience alongside top policy experts. For aspiring science leaders, researchers, and future policy professionals, this internship is more than a summer placement—it is a career-defining launchpad into the heart of US science strategy.
Interns will participate in an 8–12 week immersive program starting May or June 2026, and they will receive a stipend based on their level of education, making it an accessible and funded opportunity for motivated applicants worldwide.
What This Internship Offers?
Winning the NIH OSP Summer Internship is not just about adding a line to your CV—it’s about entering one of the most influential science ecosystems in the world. Interns will work side-by-side with NIH policy leaders and gain practical exposure to how science policy is written, communicated, and implemented across the national biomedical enterprise.
Selected candidates will contribute to meaningful projects such as national policy digests, innovation access strategies, biomedical partnership development, and major NIH progress initiatives. With only one position available in each division, this program offers an elite mentorship-driven environment where your work directly supports the NIH mission of advancing human health.
This is the kind of internship that positions you for future fellowships, graduate pathways, global research leadership roles, and long-term careers in science governance.
Internship Positions Available in 2026
Applicants must choose only one of the following roles:
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Science Policy Coordination, Collaboration, and Reporting Division
Focused on high-impact policy materials, reports, digests, and partnership resources across NIH and the broader scientific community. -
Innovation Policy Division
Focused on biomedical innovation strategy, patient-centered access policies, and research-driven technology implementation efforts.
Each division has only one internship slot, making early and strong applications essential.
Eligibility Requirements for NIH OSP Summer Internship 2026
To apply successfully, applicants must demonstrate strong academic potential and a clear interest in science policy work.
Basic eligibility includes:
- Must be an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student
- Must have an interest in science policy, innovation, or biomedical research strategy
- Must apply for only one of the available internship divisions
- Must be able to complete the full 8–12 week internship period starting May/June 2026
- Must successfully pass a required federal background check for NIH system access.
Apply: https://osp.od.nih.gov/2026internship/
The last date to apply for the 2026 NIH Office of Science Policy Summer Internship Program is February 27th, 2026.