BIO5 Institute announces largest cohort for the 2025 KEYS Research Internship
Sixty-six outstanding Arizona students from 35 high schools have been accepted into the 7-week research program set to begin in June, with the addition of an inaugural Phoenix cohort.
The BIO5 Institute at the University of Arizona continues its legacy of transformative workforce development initiatives with the announcement of the 2025 KEYS Research Internship summer cohort.
This year’s cohort is the largest to date, comprised of 66 students from across Arizona, and for the first time, expanding its reach with a dedicated cohort hosted at the University of Arizona Biomedical Sciences Partnership Building in downtown Phoenix.
The 2025 internship program will include 51 students hosted at the University of Arizona campus in Tucson and nine online with virtual experiences. Six students in the inaugural Phoenix cohort will work alongside faculty researchers from the U of A College of Medicine – Phoenix, opening doors to bioscience research opportunities in Arizona’s largest metropolitan area.
"The KEYS internship is one of BIO5’s most impactful initiatives," said Jennifer Barton, BIO5 Institute director. "Every year, we see KEYS interns develop into confident researchers ready to take on the challenges of the scientific world. The addition of the Phoenix cohort allows us to further expand KEYS' impact and bring this unique hands-on research experience to even more students. We are excited to see how this next generation of KEYS scholars will contribute to Arizona’s growing bioscience ecosystem."
Application Snapshot
Total applications: 411
Pima County applications: 170
Out-of-Town Applications (Coconino, Maricopa, Mohave, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, Yuma counties): 241
Applications specifically from Maricopa County: 227
High Schools Represented: 35
Arizona Cities/Towns Represented: 11
The Keep Youth Engaging in Science (KEYS) Research Internship program, dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of scientists, provides participants with a transformative 7-week summer experience.
Interns engage in real-world bioscience research mentored by U of A faculty, gaining valuable knowledge and skills in STEM research, biotechnology, data science, and science communication.
"We are thrilled to welcome the next cohort of KEYS interns, who represent some of the brightest young minds in Arizona," said Kelle Hyland, KEYS program director. "This year is especially exciting as we launch our inaugural Phoenix cohort, extending the program’s reach and impact. By offering students in Maricopa County the chance to conduct research at the College of Medicine – Phoenix, we are opening new doors for aspiring scientists in the region."
Since its inception in 2007, KEYS has trained hundreds of students, many of whom pursue college degrees and careers in STEM. The program continues to expand its reach and impact by offering mentorship, cutting-edge research opportunities, and workforce development for Arizona’s future scientists and innovators.
For more information on the KEYS Research Internship, visit keys.arizona.edu.
How to Contribute:
Those interested in supporting the KEYS Research Internship program and contributing to its endowment can do so through the University of Arizona Foundation. Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact on the program's ability to continue its mission of inspiring and empowering the scientific leaders of tomorrow.
About BIO5 Institute:
The BIO5 Institute at the University of Arizona brings together hundreds of scientists from across five disciplines - agriculture, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and basic science - to find creative solutions to humanity’s most pressing health and environmental challenges. This interdisciplinary approach is an international model of how to conduct collaborative research, and has resulted in disease prevention strategies, promising new therapies, innovative diagnostics and devices, and improved food sustainability. Learn more at bio5.org.
About KEYS Research Internship:
The KEYS Research Internship at the BIO5 Institute is dedicated to inspiring and empowering Arizona's high school students aged 16 and older in the field of bioscience. Our mission is to provide a transformative summer experience, engaging interns in real-world bioscience research mentored by University of Arizona faculty. KEYS interns gain valuable knowledge and skills in STEM research, biotechnology, data science, and science communication through active participation in cutting-edge research within a higher-education environment to increase self-confidence and science identity. With a commitment to diversity and accessibility, KEYS strives to be a free and accessible program for all participants, laying a solid foundation for their future success in STEM-related fields.