Q. What is the purpose of the Amgen Scholars Programme?
The Amgen Scholars Programme provides selected undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on research experience at some of the world's leading educational institutions. The programme seeks to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing a science or engineering career. Ultimately, the programme aims to increase the number of students pursuing advanced training and careers in the sciences.
Q. What are the Cambridge programme dates?
2024 Cambridge ASP Dates: Monday 8th July - Friday 30th August 2024.
Scholars will need to arrive on Sunday 7th July.
Q. What is the European Symposium?
In September, each Amgen Scholar in Europe will attend a symposium to hear first hand from leading scientists working in industry and academia. The symposium will be held in Cambridge, England. The event is an excellent opportunity for networking between scholars from the five European programmes.
Accommodation and meals are provided for all scholars throughout the symposium.
Q. What are the symposium dates?
- Sunday 1st September - arrival
- Monday 2nd & Tuesday 3rd September - main symposium activities
- Wednesday 4th September - departure
Q. How do I know if I am eligible for the Cambridge programme?
See our Eligibility page.
Q. How do I apply?
Applications for the Cambridge programme are now closed.
Q. When is the deadline for applications?
The application submission deadline for all European programmes is 1st February 2024.
Applications for the Cambridge Programme will close 23:59 GMT 1st February 2024.
Q. Can I apply to multiple European Amgen Scholars Programmes?
You can apply to as many of the programmes as you wish, but be aware that each programme has its own application process.
Q. Does the proposed Project Supervisor need to do anything as a part of my application?
Yes. When you submit your application, your Project Supervisor will be emailed with a link to a form to complete - this will ask them to provide a brief outline of the project.
There will be a deadline included for them to submit the form. We strongly advise you to tell your Project Supervisor to expect this email. We also advise they submit this as soon as possible to prevent last minute issues.
Q. How many references / letters of recommendation do I need?
You will need to name one referee in your application form, and include their email address . When you submit your application, they will then be automatically emailed with a form to submit, and a deadline for submission. We strongly advise you to tell your referee to expect this email. We also advise they submit this as soon as possible to prevent last minute issues.
Do not send additional references, name additional referees or send separate letters - these will not be checked and may result in your application being rejected.
The deadline for referees to submit their reference forms is Monday 5th February 2024.
Q. Who should I ask to be my referee?
Your referee should be someone who knows you in an academic capacity, ideally a university lecturer or tutor, who can speak about your academic performance. It makes most sense to choose someone who has taught you and knows you well, as they will be able to complete the reference form more completely.
Q. When will I find out if I am accepted onto the programme?
At the Cambridge ASP, we aim to inform all applicants regarding the outcome of their application by mid-March 2024. Notification dates for the other European programmes can be found on the individual programme websites.
Q. Are there certain application requirements common to all programme sites in Europe?
Yes. Each European ASP will - at a minimum - require the submission of an academic transcript, a letter of recommendation (or reference form) and a personal statement. You should check each site's individual requirements.
Q. What is an academic transcript?
An academic transcript is an official document from your university that summarises a student's academic progress and performance to date. It should include the university and course title, alongside grades for each module taken.
If your transcript is not in English, please provide a translation alongside the official copy.
Q. If I am not selected this year, can I apply again?
Yes. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply again.
Q. Do I need to be a citizen of a European country to apply?
No, but you need to be an undergraduate student at a European* university. See the 'Eligibility' page for more information on who is eligible.
*Eligible students must attend a college or university in a country that is participating in the Bologna Process.
Q. Can students who are only spending a short period of time (i.e. a semester or year abroad) at a European university apply?
No. To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled at a college or university in Europe AND intend to earn their undergraduate degree at a college or university in Europe.
Q. Do I need to provide formal evidence of my English language ability?
Formal evidence is not required, but scholars will need a good working knowledge of English in order to participate fully.
Q. Do I need to have research experience to apply?
No. We encourage applications from students with research experience as well as newcomers to the field. Applications are particularly encouraged from students who attend colleges and universities that have limited opportunities for students to conduct research.
Q. If applicable, am I required to obtain the appropriate visas to participate in the Amgen Scholars Programme?
Yes. It is the participant's responsibility to acquire the necessary visas to attend their respective summer programme and the symposium (in Cambridge, England). The European host institutions will help scholars with this process.
Q. What should I say in my initial email to a potential Project Supervisor?
It best practice for students to consider their research areas of interest and make a short list of faculty to contact in these fields (you should use the research themes database to identify suitable Project Supervisors). You can then compose a carefully considered email, stating the research areas you are interested in or an idea of a research project that you have. You can include a CV or other relevant information in this first email.
A generic email sent to a large number of faculty is not likely to yield a positive response.
Q. I am having difficulty finding a supervisor, what should I do?
The Cambridge ASP is very competitive and that means academics are often contacted by far more people than they are able to offer research projects to.
If you have not heard back from an academic then it is likely that they are not able to offer you a project and you should move onto contacting alternative potential Project Supervisors.
You may also wish to consider the content of the email you are sending, and if this could be improved.
Q. What is the deadline for Referees and proposed Project Supervisors to submit their forms?
The deadline for both referees and potential supervisors to submit their forms is Monday 5th February 2024. They will have been emailed with the form when you submitted your application.
Q. What should I consider about the use of AI in my application?
Please see the Global Amgen Scholars Programme statement on the use of generative AI.
