Country: Spain
City: Madrid
Organization: Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO)
Program: Summer Training Programme for Undergraduate Students
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Duration: 8 weeks
The Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) has opened the 2026 call for its Summer Training Programme for undergraduate students. The programme is designed for students enrolled in Biomedicine-related or Life Sciences degrees, and related fields, with the training period scheduled in Madrid, Spain.
2026 Call
CNIO states that up to 4 summer training positions will be awarded during 2026. These positions are open to university students from any country.
Eligibility
To apply, students must have passed at least two-thirds of the total credit points required for an undergraduate degree related to Life Sciences or Biomedicine. They must also keep their undergraduate student status for the entire duration of the summer programme.
The call also requires an excellent academic record with a GPA above 0.75 and good knowledge of English. Another mandatory condition is full availability from June 29 to August 21, 2026, since applicants who cannot be at CNIO during that period will not be eligible.
Dates and Commitment
Practical training will take place from June 29 to August 21, 2026. CNIO says the programme runs for 8 weeks, covers 300 working hours, and demands full-time participation at 37.5 hours per week. All scheduled activities are compulsory.
Research Experience
According to the call, each participant will work under the supervision of a research group, section, or unit leader, or another member of the research group. Students will also attend weekly seminars delivered by CNIO researchers and faculty members. At the end of the programme, they must present their research results in a dedicated session.
English is the working language of the programme. CNIO also notes that participation implies acceptance of its internal rules, the assigned research programme regulations, and the timetable established by the supervisor.
2026 Research Groups
The list of eligible groups and units for 2026 includes four available posts. Two posts are offered in the Organ crosstalk in metabolic diseases Group under Guadalupe Sabio. The other two are in the Topology and DNA Breaks Group led by Felipe Cortés and the Brain Metastasis Group led by Manuel Valiente.
Support Provided
CNIO states that selected students will receive coverage for one return ticket from their hometown to Madrid. The centre will also subsidize breakfasts and lunches at its cafeteria during the training period.
The programme includes personal accident insurance throughout the stay at CNIO. The call also says that students from countries not issuing the European Health Card will receive private health insurance and repatriation insurance, except when they already hold valid health insurance for the whole summer stay.
CNIO adds that the programme does not create any contractual agreement between the selected candidates and the institution. At the end of the training, participants will receive a certificate indicating their area of training.
How to Apply
The deadline for applications is March 31, 2026.
The online application form requests personal data, academic information, English level, degree details, university name, study duration, average grade, maximum possible grade, degree credits, passed credits, and other academic distinctions if applicable. It also requires applicants to select three groups or units in order of preference, add information about laboratory practice completed outside the degree, explain their interest in the training, and upload a CV. The accepted CV formats are pdf, doc, docx, or rtf, with a maximum file size of 1 MB.
CNIO states that only shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit additional documents by email. These include two recommendation letters, an official transcript showing credits passed, a copy of a passport or national identity card, proof of valid health insurance for the full summer stay, and the NIE or visa required for legal stay in Spain.
