A Summer Choice That Shapes the Future: The Research Council of Lithuania Invites Students into Science
The Research Council of Lithuania (RCL) announces the student summer research internship programme “Summer of Science with RCL” and invites students to dedicate part of their summer to research practice—contributing to the implementation of scientific projects at universities, research institutes, and colleges. Students from Lithuania and around the world are invited to choose internship placements from a competitive list of opportunities proposed by research and higher education institutions. In total, 233 internship positions will be funded.
Not just an internship – the first step towards a research career
The student summer research internship programme “Summer of Science with RCL” is the longest-running RCL initiative for students. Its aim is to provide them with the opportunity to conduct research in laboratories and research institutions, acquire new knowledge, develop analytical and scientific skills, strengthen academic writing and presentation abilities, become familiar with Lithuania’s scientific community and infrastructure, and build essential professional and social skills.
“Summer research internships are not only the first step towards a career in science, but also a real opportunity to experience how advanced knowledge is created. By investing in the development of young researchers, we strengthen the country’s scientific potential and lay the foundation for future innovation. We aim for more talented students to choose the path of a researcher, explore the world, and contribute to social and cultural progress as well as economic growth,” says Dr Gintaras Valinčius, Chair of the Research Council of Lithuania.
How to apply?
The internship is open to first-cycle (Bachelor’s), second-cycle (Master’s), and integrated study students whose weighted average grade from the most recent semester is at least 8 out of 10 (or at least 80% of the maximum grading scale if currently studying or having studied abroad), except for:
- final-year students;
- those who have received funding under this programme in 2022 or later;
- doctoral candidates or individuals who have already obtained a doctoral degree.
In the first stage, research and higher education institutions, together with internship supervisors, proposed potential research topics. A total of 697 topic proposals were submitted, from which RCL—based on expert evaluations—selected 233.
Students choose a topic and supervisor according to their field of study from the approved list and may apply for up to two internship positions. Supervisors will then evaluate applicants for their proposed topics, and placements will be awarded to the highest-scoring candidates (one student per internship position).
Additional funding for accommodation is provided to international students or to students undertaking internships at Lithuanian research institutions located in a different city from their place of residence.
Applicants wishing to participate in the RCL summer internship competition must submit, by 23 April 2026, a CV, an academic transcript, a motivation letter, and select up to two preferred topics.
The internship will take place in July–August 2026, and students will receive a €2,000 stipend (€1,000 per month).
Upon completion of the internship, RCL will organise a conference where students will present the results of their summer research.
How are internship placements allocated?
After receiving applications, RCL will conduct an administrative eligibility check. Internship supervisors will evaluate candidates in accordance with the principles of transparency, impartiality, and fairness, taking into account each applicant’s motivation and achievements. This ensures an objective and unbiased selection process.
Results of last year’s internships
Last year, summer internships in Lithuanian research and higher education institutions were completed by students studying at universities in five foreign countries: Italy, Ukraine, Spain, India, and the United Kingdom.
The list of topics is available here.
More information about the programme is available here.
Applications can be submitted here.