The Beckman Scholars Programs

2026-2029

logo for the Beckman Foundation, consisting of a DNA helix in a hexagon and the foundation name.

Image: Arnold & Mabel Beckman Foundation

With funding from the Arnold & Mabel Beckman Foundation, the University of Cincinnati is proud to host the Beckman Scholars Program.  It aims to stimulate, encourage, and support research activities by talented, full-time undergraduate students who are pursuing their studies...(Beckman-Foundation, 2025).  The term of the Beckman Scholars is 15 months beginning with a full-time summer research experience (40 hours over 10 weeks), followed by an academic year (10 hours per week), and another full-time summer experience.

The research activities conducted by Beckman Scholars will be under the guidance of one of 13 faculty mentors who have volunteered to support the program. 

Research focuses on areas of Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Medical Sciences, Psychology, and Neurosciences.  Scholars participate in activities designed to enrich their development as student scientists.  Beckman Scholars receive a scholarship of up to $21,000 and additional opportunities for scholarship including the national Beckman Scholars Program Symposium at the Beckman Foundation (August each year, location TBD)

Apply for the Beckman Scholars Program Program Details Program Benefits Program Mentors Mentor Video Introductions

Beckman Scholars Benefits

UC Beckman Scholars will: 

  • Receive stipend, support for research supplies, travel, and graduate school application fees. 
  • Receive 1:1 research and career mentoring from their faculty research mentor. 
  • Present their research at the University of Cincinnati annual undergraduate symposium. 
  • Opportunity for nominations for the National Bechman Scholars Research Symposium with travel and accommodation provided.  
  • Join the community of Bechman Scholars Alumni. 

Beckman Scholars Program Details

UC Beckman Scholars Eligibility & Application Timeline 2026

2026 Timeline accelerated (due to award notification):

  • Feb 23 (midnight): 1st round applications due
  • Early March: Select applicants invited to proceed to 2nd round
  • Late March: 2nd round due (10-minute applicant presentations)
  • April: Beckman Scholars notified of award

Eligibility requirements:

  • Undergraduate students must be pursuing a degree in chemistry, biochemistry, the biological and medical sciences, or some interdisciplinary combination of these subjects. 
  • Undergraduate students with unique pathways to studies in STEM are encouraged. 
  • Must commit to 15-months of continuous research at the college or university (summer, academic year, summer). 
  • Must be a full-time undergraduate student the duration of the award throughout and must maintain good academic standing. 
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident of the United States or its possessions, or hold DACA recipient status. 
  • Have a stated interest to pursue and communicate scientific research, such as through an advanced degree in science or engineering (e.g., PhD, MD or MD/PhD), or other STEM pursuits. 
  • Be interested in pursuing leadership roles in their scientific and professional journey. 
  • Selected scholars must attend a minimum of one research or professional development event or workshop in each of the following areas: Research, Effective Communication, and Translational Science. Reach out to Discovery Amplified for opportunities.  Reach out to Discovery Amplified for opportunities. 

Two Scholar Awards in each of the following terms:

  • Year 1 Scholars - Summer 2026 / Academic Year 2026-27 / Summer 2027 
  • Year 2 Scholars - Summer 2027 / Academic Year 2027-28 / Summer 2028 
  • Year 3 Scholars - Summer 2028 / Academic Year 2028-29 / Summer 2029 

Scholar Stipend

  • Summer 1: $6,800 
  • Academic year: $4,600 
  • Summer 2: $6,800 
  • Student scientific supply and travel: $2,800 (distributed as needed) 
  • Mentor research funds: $4,800 (distributed as needed) 

UC Beckman Scholars Mentors

Apply for the Beckman Scholars Program Program Details Program Benefits Program Mentors Mentor Video Introductions