Responsibility
Global Community Lab
What is it?
Biogen’s Community Lab is a state-of-the-art laboratory classroom program where middle and high school students engage in hands-on biotechnology experiments and interact with scientists and other biotech professionals. It offers free interactive science activities, rigorous summer programs and teacher professional development that inspire the next generation of science leaders.
Applications are now open for our summer 2023 programs. See below for eligibility requirements, session information and application link.
In-person Community Lab
The Community Lab has physical locations at our global headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts and in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina.
The Cambridge facility opened its doors in 2002 and is the longest-running, hands-on corporate science lab in the nation, serving as the model for a growing number of similar initiatives in the biotech community. Modeled after the success of our Cambridge program, the Community Lab in North Carolina opened in 2014.
Applications are now open for our in-person sessions in Cambridge, Mass. and RTP!
Conduct a hands-on lab project, meet with scientists and get an inside look at a biotech company! You will learn about the drug development process while also conducting a series of biotech laboratory techniques. Each day will focus on lab work, but there will also be opportunities to hear from and speak with employees from a wide range of departments.
Eligibility requirements and selection:
Are you a student interested in learning more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and who have completed one year of high school (currently in 10th grade or above). Preference is given to students from communities neighboring our U.S. sites in Massachusetts and North Carolina, students from low-income households, and groups historically underrepresented in science. However, we welcome all students to apply.
Cost: Free
Sessions:
Cambridge, Massachusetts Lab:
- Session I: July 24-28
- Session II: July 31 – Aug. 4
- Session III: Aug. 21-25
RTP, North Carolina Lab:
- Session I: June 12-16
- Session II: July 24-28
- Session III: July 31 – Aug. 4
Time:
Each session meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday.
Applications close 11:59 p.m. (EDT), Tuesday, March 21.
Please direct any inquiries to communitylab@biogen.com.
Virtual: Biotech in Action
In 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we brought our Community Lab program together with the Lemelson-MIT Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to launch the new online Biogen-MIT Biotech in Action Program. This virtual lab offered Massachusetts and North Carolina high school students a first-hand experience in biotechnology and provided the opportunity to learn directly from, and be mentored by, leading scientists at Biogen and MIT. Most of the students were from low-income households and groups historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
In 2021, we renewed momentum and drove global expansion of the program. Biotech in Action expanded to 19 countries, with some of the sessions offering live translation in Spanish and Portuguese. The 2021 Biotech in Action student population was 12% international, 50% low-income, 34% historically underrepresented in STEM and 59% female or non-binary. Since then, this program has become a pillar of our Community Lab, hosting students from more than 30 countries.
This program will use virtual labs, online learning and conferencing software, and real-time conversations with employees of both Biogen and MIT to teach you all about biotechnology and invention with a focus on multiple sclerosis. It is designed to help you:
- Discover a passion for health sciences, biotechnology, invention and innovation
- Experience problem-finding and problem-solving in ways that mirror the biotech, university and innovation sector
- Expand your knowledge and laboratory skills
- Develop skills aligned with those that are essential to the future of work
- Identify your personal strengths and capabilities, and next steps for growth
Eligibility and selection:
Are you a student interested in learning more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and have completed one year of high school (currently in 10th grade or above or ages 14-18 for international students).
Admissions decisions will be made following the application deadline, and preference is given to students from communities neighboring our U.S. and our international sites, students from low-income households and groups historically underrepresented in science. However, we welcome all students to apply.
Cost: Free
Sessions:
- Session I: June 20-30
- Session II: July 11-21
- Session III: August 8-18
All sessions will run 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. (EDT), Tuesdays-Fridays (no Monday classes). Students are expected to attend the entirety of the program.
Applications for the Summer 2023 Biogen-MIT Biotech in Action: Virtual Lab close 11:59 p.m., (EDT), Tuesday, March 21.
Please direct any inquiries to communitylab@biogen.com.
Career in STEM
Are you interested a career in STEM? Learn more about Biogen’s careers, co-op positions and internships.
Esteban Tarrazona
Former Community Lab student participant
Biogen Community Lab
“The Biogen Community Lab is an amazing space that I was introduced to in 2018 and loved it so much that I kept coming back throughout the years. In 2018, I took part in the Adventures in Biotechnology summer program, and that summer program made me fall in love with STEM and sparked my interest in biotechnology as a career. I am so thankful for the connections I made and the vast amount of knowledge that I have gained while taking part in activities at Community Lab!”
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