CSRI 2025 Research Training Continuity Initiative

Recognizing the unique funding uncertainties currently faced by the academic scientific community, we have launched the CSRI 2025 Research Training Continuity Initiative (RTCI) a special, one-time opportunity offered as part of the Columbia Summer Research Institute (CSRI).

Key Details

• One-Time Tuition-Free Opportunity: A limited number of CUIMC-affiliated postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty will be eligible to attend CSRI 2025 tuition-free. 
• Mandatory Fees: Tuition-free participants will be responsible for approximately $1,525 in mandatory program and university fees. 
• Eligibility: This opportunity is limited to CUIMC-affiliated postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty who are not in credit-bearing academic programs. Degree/Certificate/Certification-seeking students, including those admitted for Summer or Fall 2025, and individuals from institutions outside of CUIMC are not eligible.
• Program Expectations: Tuition-free participants will be held to the same professional and academic standards as tuition-paying participants, including required class attendance, participation, and completion of assignments.
• Academic Credit Policy: 
  • By default, tuition-free participants earn zero academic credits. 
  • However, as a special one-time exception, tuition-free participants have until June 30, 2026 to secure funding and pay the full tuition. Upon payment, their zero-credit courses will be converted retroactively to academic credits.

Application Process

Applicants who would like to attend CSRI under the RTCI program must submit the following:

The CSRI Self-Supported Application components consisting of: 

• The Mailman School of Public Health CSRI Application;
  • Transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate training programs are required;
• The CSRI 2025 Application Supplement through which candidates are asked to provide a few additional pieces of information and upload the supporting materials listed below:
  • Curriculum vitae;
  • A personal statement of no more than 500 words, describing research interests, career goals, and reasons for applying to the program;
• Two separate references who must each complete the CSRI 2025 Recommendation Form and upload a letter of reference. References must be from individuals who can comment knowledgeably on the candidate's research potential. 
  • The first reference must come from the candidate's department chair or division chief and must indicate that the candidate will be given time off (no clinical or work duties) for the duration of the program.

Applicants will also submit a secondary application consisting of:

• The CSRI 2025 Research Training Continuity Initiative Application which requires:
  • A description of the research project that the candidate intends to pursue during CSRI. The description, in a maximum of 500 words, should include the project's broad objectives and specific aims, research design and methods, and public health significance. Accepted students may update or change projects at the start of CSRI.
  • A separate signed letter on letterhead from their immediate supervisor explicitly stating that the candidate will be guaranteed time-off (i.e. no clinical duties or other work duties) for the entire duration of the CSRI program (July 7 - August 8, 2025). 

RTCI FAQ