The

—

MBI
Undergraduate
Summer
Training Programme

—

a.k.a

M.U.S.T

What You ‘MUST’ Know
—

The MBI Undergraduate Summer Training (or MUST) Programme is MBI’s internship for university students who aspire to be future mechanobiologists. For one summer, interns will transcend the boundaries of biology, physics and engineering to dissect the mechanics underlying biological functions. The cutting-edge research at MBI is led by an interdisciplinary team of tissue, cell and molecular biologists, biophysicists and bioengineers, who will guide and equip you with the necessary knowledge, skillset and acumen of a researcher to further your career in mechanobiology.

_

Dates: 8 Jun – 17 July 2026
Venue: Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Application Period: 25 November 2025 – 31 January 2026

What you get to
have
—

> Explore mechanobiology and work on impactful, multidisciplinary research

> Immersive experience in a world-class research institute at the 8th best university in the world

> Access to core facilities services and top-of-the-line equipment

> Work closely with amazing mentors in a rich, interactive environment

> Interact with the MBI community in small groups and informal settings

What you get to
do
—

> Undertake your very own research project with a lab in MBI, through which you will (1) prepare an interim summary of your research and (2) give a final poster presentation of your findings to the MBI community

> Undergo tutorials and lab training to develop theoretical understanding, practical techniques and presentation skills

> Participate in activities beyond the lab, such as our MBI seminars and student-led events

What else you
also get
—

> Stipend of S$600.00 (across 6 weeks)

> Accommodation (only for international interns)

> Productive and fun summer experience in tropical Singapore!

The Research Projects
—

Explore more about the research of each lab by clicking the project titles below. You will have to choose and rank the lab(s) of your interest during the application, and if selected for the programme, then proceed to choose one of the research project(s) the lab offers.

Elucidating the Functional Roles and Interactions between Microtubules and Integrin-Based Adhesion 
PI: Alexander BERSHADSKY

Biophysical Mechanisms of Epithelial Tissue Morphogenesis
PI: Natalie DYE

Cellular Mechanotransduction in Confinement
PI: Andrew HOLLE

Biomaterials to Study Extracellular Matrix Mechanobiology
PI: Jennifer YOUNG

Building Microfluidic Models to Study Vascular Mechanobiology in Disease
PI: Shailaja SEETHARAMAN

Investigating the Role of Mechanics in Granulosa Cells during Mammalian Folliculogenesis
PI: Chii Jou CHAN

Modeling and Imaging Actin Networks under Energy-Limited Conditions
PI: Alphee MICHELOT

Mechanobiology of Cell Death and Clearance
PI: Yusuke TOYAMA

Leveraging AI Models to Understand Force-Bearing Protein-Protein Interactions
PI: Jie YAN

The Application Process
—

‘MUST’ered the interest to join the programme? Just follow these steps to apply for a spot. We look forward to receiving your applications and having you join us!

Check the
requirements
—

> Are you a student with strong academic background in STEM?

> Are you registered in an undergraduate programme in any university across the globe?

> Have you completed your first year of undergraduate study at the time the programme begins?

> Able to commit to the entire duration of the programme?

> Have an interest in pursuing a Ph.D.?

> Have prior research experience (preferred)?

How to
apply
—

1. Complete the online APPLICATION FORM
2. Upload the following in a single .pdf document in your application in the same order:
> UNDERGRADUATE TRANSCRIPT
(in English)
> CURRICULUM VITAE
(Max. 2 pages)
> STATEMENT OF INTEREST
(Max. 1 page)
3. Submit your application by 31 JAN 2026

After you
accept
—

> Successful applicants will be notified by MID MAR 2026 by email

> After accepting the offer, further documentation will be required and the necessary procedures for Training and Employment Pass application will be advised (applicable only for overseas candidates). Processing time may take 4-6 weeks.

Any
enquiries?
—

> Email us at mbibox13@nus.edu.sg

The Reviews
—

“If you are looking to develop your biological lab skills, learn about interesting state-of-art technology and equipment, or gain more exposure to the emerging and upcoming field of Mechanobiology, join the MUST programme! You will get to learn more skills, techniques and approaches here than anywhere else.”
— Wee Juin Shin (National University of Singapore), MUST 2024 Intern

“I cannot send enough appreciation towards MUST programme as the oppurtunity is an invaluable stepping stone towards my educational aspirations. As I was exposed to the cutting-edge research here, I have learnt so much about a brand-new branch of biology that I never have a chance to get familiar with back in my home country.Thank you for organising the MUST programme!”
— Vu Ngoc Han (Fulbring University Vietnam), MUST 2024 Intern