Molecular Medicine in Action

# Molecular Medicine in Action Molecular Medicine in Action (MMIA) brings Indiana high school students into the laboratories of the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. Founded in 1999 by physicians and scientists with support from the Riley Children's Foundation, the free two-day program has introduced more than 1,200 students to the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms behind human disease. ## What You'll Do - Work side-by-side with IU School of Medicine researchers and physicians in laboratory work stations - Run hands-on experiments exploring cancer, diabetes, gene expression, and imaging technology - Tour research facilities and hear from physician-scientists about their career paths - Stay overnight with the cohort (accommodations arranged by the program) during the two-day session ## Who Should Apply Indiana high school students in grades 10-12 who can attend both days of the early-spring program in Indianapolis. The program is free of charge and competitive - it draws roughly 250-300 applications each year. Applications for the spring 2027 session open in fall 2026; the 2026 cycle's application closed November 7, 2025. ## Outcomes MMIA students get a rare, zero-cost taste of authentic bench science at a major medical school - pipetting, analyzing, and interpreting data rather than just observing. For students weighing medicine or biomedical research, it is a low-commitment, high-signal first research credential and a direct connection to IU School of Medicine scientists.