Person holding a tablet displaying a research article titled 'CAR T-Cell Therapy: A Review of its Applications, Limitations and Future Directions.'

Write a real research paper

Produce a polished, empirical research paper based on your own laboratory data, prepared for submission to peer-reviewed academic journals and guided by expert mentorship.
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Boost your college applications

Stand out with a unique academic achievement that showcases your intellectual curiosity, commitment, and ability to carry out rigorous scholarly work.
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Develop core academic research skills

Build essential research skills – literature review, methodology, and analysis – through interactive tutorials and hands-on practicums designed specifically for STEM students.
Three scientists wearing lab coats, safety glasses, and gloves working together with lab equipment; one holds a test tube and shows a peace sign.

Experience culture and social life

Enrich your learning with university tours, cultural excursions, and social activities that foster academic growth and a strong sense of community throughout your academic journey.
Young woman outdoors holding a laptop displaying a study on government policy and startup success.

Write a real research paper

Produce a polished research paper based on the humanities or social sciences, guided by expert mentors and prepared for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
Three young adults sitting on stone steps outside a building, two women smiling and chatting with laptops, a man looking at his laptop.

Boost your college applications

Stand out with a unique academic achievement that showcases your intellectual curiosity, commitment, and ability to carry out rigorous scholarly work.
Young man presenting in a wood-paneled classroom with a whiteboard and a screen displaying group negotiation exercise instructions.

Get core research skills

Build essential research skills – literature review, methodology, and analysis – through interactive tutorials and hands-on practicums designed specifically for humanities students.
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Live the Oxford experience

Study and live in Oxford, gaining first hand exposure to the traditions and academic life of one of the world's most prestigious universities, while enriching your learning through guest lectures, cultural events, and social activities.

Innovator Global
Lab overview

This research program is designed for ambitious high school students ages 15-19 from around the world with a strong interest in biological and neuroscience research. You'll develop advanced research skills through hands-on wet lab experience that prepares you for undergraduate research opportunities and competitive university applications.

01

Phase 01
Virtual

Complete an academic orientation and bootcamp, choose your research question, learn research methodology foundations, and prepare for the in-person lab experience.

Phase 02
In-person: Pasadena, New York or Singapore

Conduct hands-on research in a high-tech wet lab, attend lectures, collect and analyze your own data and present your findings.

02

03

Phase 03
Virtual

Receive individual publishing support through one-on-one and group sessions to complete and refine your research paper for publication in academic journals.

Learn from world-class professors

Learn from top academics, including Dr. Jorge Avila from UCLA, Dr. Xavier Portillo from Harvard, Dr. Yi Han Ng from Stanford, and elite graduate students.

Get confident with an pre-online bootcamp on reading and academic expectations before the program begins.

Build strong foundations in research methods through engaging practicums and guided sessions.

Explore topics in Biotech, Molecular biology, Cell biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, and Biomedical research.

Gather and analyze your own original data through hands-on laboratory experiments.

Two researchers in white lab coats discussing in a laboratory with scientific equipment, including a microscope, on the table.

Work in a professional
grade wet-lab

The Indigo Innovator Global Lab program is delivered in partnership with Life Science Incubator, BioLabs, and Pasadena Bio – professional wet lab facilities in Singapore, New York, and Pasadena. You'll conduct hands-on research experiments in real laboratory settings under the guidance of experienced Indigo mentors.

Michellana J.
Global Economics and Management Group, MIT Sloan School of Business, Lecturer
Patrick S.
Professor of Sociology & Public Affairs at Princeton University, former Dept. Chair at NYU
Kif L.
Genetics at Stanford University, Researcher, Instructor and DEI Leader
Mathilde B.
History of Art and Architecture at Harvard University, PhD Candidate
Siddharth K.
Computer Science at UNC Charlotte, Assistant Professor
Timur I.
Chemistry at Northwestern University, Assistant Professor

Publish your research when you're done

Complete a rigorous research paper, ready for submission to an academic journal.

Take part in intensive workshops on academic writing, presenting, and publishing.

Continue working with our team in free online office hours to polish and submit your paper (one-on-one hours available as add-on).

Eligible students will be fast-tracked for inclusion in the upcoming issue of Convergence academic journal.on

03| Choose your subject and season

Choose to join either the Summer or Winter IRIS cohort and select your preferred subject from a diverse range of 10 options across STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Classes are held twice a week for 3 hours each.

03 | Complete your academic orientation

Get confident with an online bootcamp on reading and academic expectations before arriving in Oxbridge.

Eight-step research writing timeline from Pre-IRIS registration and orientation through to final paper submission over weeks 0 to 6.
Week 1
Preliminary Work
Using our MLA-featured curriculum, you’ll define project goals, decide your research question, and learn the basics of conducting research.
01
Week 2-3
Reading & Analysis
With guidance from your mentor, you’ll find, read, annotate, and analyze a wide variety of scholarly sources, building your bibliography and preparing to begin writing.
02
Week 4-6
Research Prospectus
As you read, you’ll refine your research question, begin outlining your paper, and develop a prospectus, which explains the research and shows how you’ll conduct it.
03
Week 7-8
Literature Review
The first chapter or section of your paper will be a literature review, in which you survey the existing writings on your subject and identify trends and gaps in the literature.
04
Week 9-11
Research & Write
With input and feedback from your mentor, you’ll conduct your research and assemble the heart of your paper, along with methods & discussion sections.
05
Week 12
Revise & Prepare
As you near completion, your mentor will provide revisions and prepare you to submit to a journal, competition, or conference.
06
Week 13-15
Submit Paper
Submit your paper to an academic journal. Journals may return it to you for revisions – not a problem. Your mentor will assist you in finalizing it.
07
Week 15+
Present at Conference
All Indigo Research programs offer credit from the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) Extension School. Present your research at our virtual Indigo Academic Conference & earn two credits.
08
Week 15+
Prepare for Science Competitions
Our team will help you refine your completed research paper into polished, competition-ready projects for both regional & international science fairs, including prestigious events like Regeneron ISEF.
09
Pre-IRIS
Registration & Orientation
Study your Welcome Pack and explore our platform to understand the structure of your course. Join the IRIS Orientation to meet your professor.
01
Week 0
Prep Reading
Work through carefully selected introductory papers with support from a Harvard PhD Teaching Fellow during office hours.
02
Week 1
Subject Dive Deep
Meet your instructor and receive a crash course on your subject, reviewing readings, and discussing key terms and topics for your research.
03
Week 2
Research Foundations
Learn strategies for time management, note-taking, and citation. Explore research paper genres and select a research question.
04
Week 3
Abstract & Bibliography
Take the time to develop your abstract and annotated bibliography. Organize sources before diving into writing.
05
Week 4
Begin Writing
Work on your paper’s intro and outline. Meet one-on-one with your instructor for a guided deeper dive into your research and writing.
06
Week 5
Workshop Drafts
Participate in writing workshops, prepare your first full draft, engage in peer reviewing exercises and incorporate feedback.
07
Week 6
Submit & Present
Discuss your full draft in a one-on-one meeting with the instructor, present your work to peers and deliver the final version of your paper.
08
Young man standing by a whiteboard and presenting while people listen in a wood-paneled room.Scientist wearing gloves and a white lab coat working with bottles and jars on a laboratory bench.

03 | Complete your academic orientation

Complete an academic orientation and bootcamp, choose your research question, learn research methodology foundations, and prepare for the in-person lab experience.

Two scientists in a laboratory, one explaining something while the other listens, with a microscope on the table.
Two scientists in a laboratory, one explaining something while the other listens, with a microscope on the table.
Two scientists in a laboratory, one explaining something while the other listens, with a microscope on the table.

Meet your mentors

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Dr. Jorge Avila
UCLA, Asst. Director of Undergraduate Research Center
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Dr. Jorge Avila
UCLA, Asst. Director of Undergraduate Research Center
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Dr. Iva Bimpli
Lecturer in Business,
University of Leeds
White outlined tall clock tower icon on black background.

Specialises in business ethics, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.

Teaches and supervises on BA Environment & Business and MSc Sustainability programmes.

Research focuses on ethical decision-making, stakeholder dynamics, and sustainable consumer behaviour.

Holds a PhD from the University of Bradford; bridges theory with real-world application.

Former lecturer and programme lead at several Russell Group universities.

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and award-winning researcher.

Active in the Academy of Marketing’s Marketing Ethics SIG.

Visiting scholar at the University of York and University of Liverpool; frequent conference reviewer.

Accepted to Cornell
Seal of the University of Chicago featuring a phoenix and the university's motto in Latin.

Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience/Psychology, City University of New York.

Postdoctoral Researcher at Rutgers University under Dr. Gary Aston-Jones.

B.S. in Psychology, Penn State University.

Faculty Advisor: Undergraduate Science Journal
& Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Association. Program Director: UCLA URC

Research Endowment Programs (URFP, URSP, Summer Programs).

Created new pipelines for immunofluorescent labeling, RNA–protein co-detection, and quantitative analysis.
Skilled in stereotaxic surgery, IV catheter implantation, cryosectioning, western blotting, behavioral testing,
and advanced statistical analysis.

Accepted to Cornell
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Bre Calhoun
PhD Candidate, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Bre Calhoun
PhD Candidate, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Smiling woman with dark hair in a ponytail wearing a white turtleneck sweater.
Dr. Iva Bimpli
Lecturer in Business,
University of Leeds
White outlined tall clock tower icon on black background.

Specialises in business ethics, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.

Teaches and supervises on BA Environment & Business and MSc Sustainability programmes.

Research focuses on ethical decision-making, stakeholder dynamics, and sustainable consumer behaviour.

Holds a PhD from the University of Bradford; bridges theory with real-world application.

Former lecturer and programme lead at several Russell Group universities.

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and award-winning researcher.

Active in the Academy of Marketing’s Marketing Ethics SIG.

Visiting scholar at the University of York and University of Liverpool; frequent conference reviewer.

Accepted to Cornell
Seal of the University of Chicago featuring a phoenix and the university's motto in Latin.

PhD Candidate in Maternal, Fetal, and Perinatal Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

M.S. in Global Health Sciences, University of California,
San Francisco.

B.S. in Movement Science / Kinesiology, University
of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Research focuses on disparities in severe maternal
morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular events
during pregnancy and the postpartum period in the US.

Research interests include health equity, maternal
and child health, reproductive biology, human biology,
and population health.

Currently conducts research at Johns Hopkins Medicine on paternal engagement during pregnancy
and postpartum care, as well as adverse pregnancy events and their relationship to child telomere length.

Accepted to Cornell
Seal of Harvard University featuring a shield with the word 'VERITAS' on three books inside a circular border with the university name.
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Dr. Xavier Portillo
Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
Harvard University shield with a three-part crest featuring a lion and the word VERITAS on three open books.
Portrait of a man wearing a black suit, white shirt, and striped tie with a neutral background.
Dr. Xavier Portillo
Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School
Seal of the University of Toronto featuring an open book with the word 'VERITAS,' a beaver, and the university motto.
Smiling woman with dark hair in a ponytail wearing a white turtleneck sweater.
Dr. Iva Bimpli
Lecturer in Business,
University of Leeds
White outlined tall clock tower icon on black background.

Specialises in business ethics, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.

Teaches and supervises on BA Environment & Business and MSc Sustainability programmes.

Research focuses on ethical decision-making, stakeholder dynamics, and sustainable consumer behaviour.

Holds a PhD from the University of Bradford; bridges theory with real-world application.

Former lecturer and programme lead at several Russell Group universities.

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and award-winning researcher.

Active in the Academy of Marketing’s Marketing Ethics SIG.

Visiting scholar at the University of York and University of Liverpool; frequent conference reviewer.

Accepted to Cornell
Seal of the University of Chicago featuring a phoenix and the university's motto in Latin.

Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Molecular

Cell Biology, Genetics, and Development), Yale University.

M.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University.

Awarded NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and NASA

Graduate Fellowship during graduate studies.

Specializes in next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and machine learning to catalog and track RNA evolution.

Leads projects on engineering regulatory RNAs to enhance existing functions or generate novel biological functions.

Over 10 years of mentorship experience, supporting students from diverse backgrounds and identities.

Recipient of Yaleʼs Prize Teaching Fellowship, one of the universityʼs highest teaching honors.

Accepted to Cornell
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Portrait of a woman with long dark hair wearing a white shirt and black blazer, smiling slightly against a plain background.
Dr. Yi Han Ng
Researcher at
Stanford University
Stanford University logo with a red block 'S' and a stylized pine tree in the center.
Portrait of a man wearing a black suit, white shirt, and striped tie against a plain background.
Patrick Hao
DPhil Candidate at Oxford & Former UK Admissions Officer
Seal of the University of Toronto featuring an open book and maple leaves inside a circular design.
Smiling woman with dark hair tied in a ponytail wearing a white ribbed turtleneck sweater and silver hoop earrings.
Dr. Iva Bimpli
Lecturer in Business,
University of Leeds
Black and white icon of a clock tower with a flag on top.

Specialises in business ethics, sustainability, and corporate responsibility.

Teaches and supervises on BA Environment & Business and MSc Sustainability programmes.

Research focuses on ethical decision-making, stakeholder dynamics, and sustainable consumer behaviour.

Holds a PhD from the University of Bradford; bridges theory with real-world application.

Former lecturer and programme lead at several Russell Group universities.

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and award-winning researcher.

Active in the Academy of Marketing’s Marketing Ethics SIG.

Visiting scholar at the University of York and University of Liverpool; frequent conference reviewer.

Accepted to Cornell
Seal of Harvard University featuring a shield with open books and the motto 'VERITAS' in Latin.

Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology – Stanford.

Research focus: synapse formation and organization using human-induced neurons.

Uses CRISPR-knockout models to study the roles of specific synaptic proteins in neural connectivity.

Investigates mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Developed novel delivery systems to reprogram human embryonic stem cells into functional midbrain dopamine neurons.

Published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Recipient of the National Science Scholarship (PhD) and a Young Investigator Research Grant.

Presented research at international scientific conferences.

Expertise in stem cell biology, molecular biology, and advanced reprogramming technologies.

Accepted to Cornell
Seal of Harvard University featuring a shield with three open books and the word 'VERITAS'.

A day in your Global Lab journey

01
Discipline-specific lectures
Deep dive into your chosen subject area.
02
Lab research classes
Conduct experiments in the high-tech facility.
03
Meals & Breaks
Enjoy structured downtime with peers.

A day in your Global Lab Journey

01
Discipline-specific lectures
Deep dive into your chosen subject area.
02
Lab research classes
Deep dive into your chosen subject area.
03
Meals & Breaks
Enjoy structured downtime with peers.

A day in your Global Lab Journey

01
Discipline-specific lectures
Deep dive into your chosen subject area.
02
Lab research classes
Deep dive into your chosen subject area.
03
Meals & Breaks
Enjoy structured downtime with peers.

Our students on their Global Lab experience

I learned how to design and conduct an experiment, how to write, and how to analyze data. Our mentors helped us draft a paper and guided us through submitting it to journals, giving us the opportunity to publish it. This will really look good on my résumé. I’m very grateful for this opportunity.
Buse A.
Indigo at Oxbridge student
As a high schooler, it’s very rare to get real wet lab experience. Doing all of this myself, with a mentor by my side, was something truly valuable, and I really loved the experience. Indigo gave me all the resources I needed to complete my research project – from crafting my hypothesis and conducting preliminary research to providing all the materials I needed.
Daniel Z.
Indigo at Oxbridge student

Research Outcomes

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Accepted to Cornell
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Accepted to Cornell
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Student: Ingrid C.

Project Topic: “Few-Shot Learning Approach To Acne Classification”
Published in the IJHSR and accepted to Cornell University
Link to Publication →
Accepted to Cornell
Harvard University seal with Latin text and shield emblem.
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Accepted to Penn State
Young man wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie against a plain background.
Accepted to Penn State
University of Pennsylvania shield with three white plates on a blue chevron and open books above on a red background.

Student: David X.

Project Topic: “CMOS Architecture”
Accepted to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
Link to Publication →
Accepted to Penn State
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Accepted to Bristol
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Young man wearing a black tuxedo jacket, white shirt, and black bow tie against a plain light background.
Accepted to Bristol
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Student: David X.

Project Topic: “CMOS Architecture”
Accepted to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
Link to Publication →
Accepted to Bristol
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Portrait of a young man with short black hair wearing a black shirt against a plain light background.
Accepted to UCL
UCL logo
Portrait of a young man with short black hair wearing a black shirt against a plain light background.
Accepted to UCL
UCL logo with white text and an icon of a classical building on a black background.

Student: Richard D.

Project Topic: “A Comprehensive Overview of Epigenetics”
Published in the IJHSR and accepted to the University College London
Link to Publication →
Accepted to UCL
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Accepted to Penn State
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Accepted to Penn State
University shield with three white open books and a dolphin on a red band above a blue chevron with three white circles on a white background.

Student: Shunsuke N.

Project Topic: ‘’How Convolutional Neural Networks Can Help Predict NFT Prices by Analyzing Images”
Published in the IJHSR and accepted to the University College London
Link to Publication →
Accepted to Penn State
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Smiling young man with glasses wearing a black suit, white shirt, and black tie against a light gray background.
Accepted to Princeton
Princeton University shield emblem with black and orange colors and open book design.
Young man with glasses wearing a black suit, white shirt, and black tie, smiling against a light gray background.
Accepted to Princeton
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Student: Nathan N.

Project Topic: “Applications of Australian Native Aquatic Plants on Purifying Wastewater Sources”
Published in the IJHSR and accepted to Princeton University
Link to Publication →
Accepted to Princeton
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Accepted to Columbia
Columbia University shield with three crowns and a banner reading 'In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen'
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Accepted to Columbia
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Student: Joseph B.

Project Topic: “A Stretchable and Tough Small-Scale Magnetic Actuator for Biomedical Applications”
Published in the Journal of Student Research and accepted to Columbia University
Link to Publication →
Accepted to Columbia
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Accepted to Princeton
Princeton University shield emblem with open book and chevron design.
Smiling young woman with long dark hair and glasses against a light background.
Accepted to Princeton
Princeton University shield emblem with black chevron on orange background and an open book on top.

Student: Srina B.

Project Topic: “Democratising Dissent: Counter-Hegemony Through Art in India’s Citizenship Protests”
Published in the Critical Debates HSGJ and accepted to Princeton University.
Link to Publication →
Accepted to Princeton
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Accepted to Manchester
Manchester University logo with purple background and text MANCH ES TER 1824.
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Accepted to Manchester
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Student: Wing T.

Project Topic: “Impacts of Alzheimer’s Disease on Identity and Potential Therapeutic Approaches for Mitigating Identity Loss”
Published in the IJHSR and accepted to University of Manchester
Link to Publication →
Accepted to Manchester
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How to apply

01 | Declare your interest
Fill out the form on this page, and you'll be able to book an intro call with our Research Advisor to learn more about the program and discuss tuition.


02 | Submit your application
Submit your applicationAfter your intro call, you'll submit your application. Our Admissions Committee will review it and get back to you with a decision.

03 | Secure your place
If you're accepted, we'll send you an offer to join the program.
Start your application
Start your application
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