Since 1989, the University of Minnesota LSSURP has overseen and coordinated several life sciences programs and is supported by the University of Minnesota Medical School. The program begins with a joint orientation weekend, followed by participation in a 10-week research project under the direction of a University of Minnesota faculty mentor and numerous special activities focused on professional development as well as social interaction. The summer research experience concludes with a poster symposium and banquet in August. LSSURP has given students that have been underrepresented in the life sciences the experience and training to that enhance their ability to pursue a career in research. This represents a long-standing commitment to increasing the impact and quality of life science research a the University of Minnesota, which is strengthened when there is diversity in our faculty and students. We strongly encourage students whose backgrounds encompass diversity in culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, and economic background to apply for our summer research positions.