NIH Office of Science Policy Summer Internship 2026, There is a very special chance to work with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Science Policy (OSP) in 2026. If you’ve ever wanted to go beyond the lab and see how science affects national choices, you should not miss this chance. Students in this very competitive program get to see how biomedical research, innovation, and public health goals are turned into national science policy in the real world.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) hosts an internship that gives top science policy experts hands-on training. Each year, only two interns are chosen. This internship is more than just a summer job for people who want to become researchers, policymakers, or science leaders. It’s a way to get into the heart of U.S. science strategy and shape your future career.
What You’ll Gain from the NIH OSP Summer Internship?
The NIH OSP Summer Internship is more than just a way to improve your resume. The interns will:
- Work closely with policymakers at the NIH on national science projects
- Help with biomedical relationships, policy digests, and strategies for accessing new technologies
- Learn how science policy is made, communicated, and put into action in the real world.
- Experience a top-notch mentoring setting with important, life-changing projects
This intensive program starts in May or June 2026 and lasts for 8–12 weeks. All interns get paid a pay based on their education level, so anyone from around the world can apply and be considered.
What divisions are available for internship applicants?
Applicants can choose between the Science Policy Coordination Division or the Innovation Policy Division. Each division offers one slot, focusing on either national policy materials or biomedical innovation strategies.
Available Internship Positions for 2026:
Applicants must choose only one division when applying for the NIH OSP Summer Internship 2026. Each division has just one internship slot, so submitting a strong application early is essential.
Science Policy Coordination, Collaboration, and Reporting Division:
This division focuses on:
- Developing high-impact policy materials, reports, and digests
- Supporting partnership resources across NIH and the broader scientific community
- Contributing to initiatives that guide national biomedical research and policy decisions
Innovation Policy Division:
This division focuses on:
- Shaping biomedical innovation strategies
- Developing patient-centered access policies
- Implementing research-driven technology initiatives that advance NIH goals
What projects will interns work on during the internship?
Interns contribute to high-impact NIH projects, including policy digests, biomedical innovation strategies, and national health research initiatives.
Benefits of NIH Office of Science Policy Summer Internship:
- Hands-On Policy Experience: Work with NIH science policy experts and help shape national biomedical research strategies and major policy projects to get direct, hands-on experience with policy.
- Mentorship from Top Leaders: Get personalized help from leaders in biomedical research, science policy, and innovation. Their advice will shape your professional growth and job path.
- Experience That Will Shape Your Career: Get to know the core of U.S. science policy and learn how research goals are turned into national policies that affect public health and new ideas.
- Paid job Opportunity: This prestigious job is open to motivated students all over the world because it is part of a fully paid program that gives you money based on your education level.
- Make important project contributions: Work on important projects like policy digests, innovation access strategies, and partnership development that directly help the NIH’s goal to improve people’s health.
- Starter for Future jobs: Prepare yourself for competitive fellowships, graduate programs, leadership roles in global research, and long-term jobs in science policymaking and governance.
NIH OSP Summer Internship 2026 Eligibility:
Those who want to apply must have done well in school and have a strong interest in science policy, creativity, or biomedical research strategy. Some basic needs are:
- Be a college graduate or professional student.
- Show that you are interested in health research, science policy, or new technologies.
- You should only apply for one internship section.
- Finish the whole 8–12 week program that starts in May or June 2026.
- Get through a government background check to get into NIH systems
Check Also: HALRIC Research Internship Programme – Now Open
How to Apply for NIH Office of Science Policy Summer Internship 2026?
Choose Your Division:
- Decide whether to apply for the Science Policy Coordination, Collaboration, and Reporting Division or the Innovation Policy Division. Applicants may select only one division per application.
Prepare Your Documents:
Gather the necessary documents:
- Updated resume or CV highlighting academic achievements, research experience, and leadership roles
- Cover letter detailing your interest in science policy and suitability for your chosen division
- Official transcripts from your current educational program
Complete the Online Application:
- Visit the official NIH OSP internship portal: https://osp.od.nih.gov/2026internship/
- Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your prepared documents.
Submit Before the Deadline:
- Ensure your application is submitted by February 27, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Federal Background Check:
- All selected candidates must successfully complete a federal background check required for NIH system access.
Notification of Selection
- Successful applicants will be contacted by the NIH OSP team with confirmation and onboarding instructions for the internship program.
Tips for a Strong Application:
- Highlight your interest in science policy and biomedical innovation
- Showcase academic excellence and research experience
- Tailor your cover letter to the chosen division
- Demonstrate communication, leadership, and teamwork skills
How much stipend do NIH OSP interns receive?
Selected interns receive a $5,000 stipend for the 8–12 week program, supporting living expenses while gaining experience.
