Indigo Research
Innovator Global Lab
A selective, intensive high school research program featuring hands-on wet lab biotechnology research where students conduct independent projects and create publication-ready research papers.
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Oxford Immersion Experience.
Live and study in Oxford, gaining first-hand exposure to the traditions and academic life of one of the world's most prestigious universities.
Publication-Ready Humanities Paper.
Produce a polished, humanities- or social sciences–based research paper, prepared for submission to a peer-reviewed academic journal and guided by expert mentorship.
Personalised Group Mentorship.
Learn in a small, selective cohort up to 15 students with personalised guidance from experienced faculty throughout the programme.
Core Research Methodology Training.
Build essential research skills – literature review, methodology, analysis – through interactive tutorials and hands-on practicums designed for humanities students.
Academic and Cultural Exploration.
Enrich your learning with gust lectures, cultural events, and social activities that foster academic growth and a strong sense of community.
Your Global Lab Experience
Academics
- World-Class TeachingLearn from top academics, including Dr. Jorge Avila from UCLA and elite graduate students.
- Research Method TrainingBuild strong foundations in research methods through engaging practicums and guided sessions.
- Biology-Focused ProjectsExplore topics in Biotechnology, Molecular biology, Cell biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, and Biomedical research.
- Primary Data CollectionGather and analyze your own original data through hands-on laboratory experiments.
- Publication-Ready PaperComplete a rigorous research paper, ready for submission to an academic journal.
Residential Life
- Live the Researcher ExperienceStay in Pasadena-area accommodation and
work in a professional-grade wet lab incubator using cutting-edge biotechnology equipment. - Cultural ExcursionsExplore Southern California through curated
outings, including tours of prestigious
institutions. - Social EventsBuild lifelong friendships during activity nights with students from around the world.
Online Support
- Pre-Arrival Academic OrientationGet confident with an online bootcamp on
research foundations and methodology before arriving in Pasadena for your lab experience. - Ongoing Publication SupportContinue working with our team in online office hours to polish and complete your research paper (additional 1:1 hours available as add-on).
- Fast-Track to PublicationEligible students will be fast-tracked for
inclusion in the upcoming issue of Convergence and IJHSR academic journals.
What You'll Achieve
- Immerse yourself in the life of a researcher✔ Experience a renowned wet lab incubator that gives you insider knowledgeof how biology and biotechnology research is conducted, using cutting-
edge equipment.
✔ Engage with experienced faculty on-site, working alongside researchers who will guide you through high-quality research projects. - Create a publication-ready research paper✔ Set yourself up to be eligible for 2 college credits while still in high school
through UCSB via the Indigo Academic Conference.
✔ Earn a competitive edge for college/university applications. - Build your network & Cultural experience✔ Connect with like-minded students from around the world, fostering lifelong
friendships and expanding your global perspective.
✔ Explore the lively and engaging locale of Southern California, a world-
renowned area of cultural and academic interest. - Work Towards University CreditBecome eligible for two university credits through the Indigo Academic Conference and UCSB – while still in school!
- Make Global ConnectionsCollaborate with ambitious students from around the world – form friendships, expand your worldview, and join a truly international community.
Meet Your Mentors
Dr. Jorge Avila
Assistant Director, Undergraduate Research Center-Sciences and Instructor of Research Practice, UCLA
✔ Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience/Psychology, City University of New York
✔ Postdoctoral Researcher at Rutgers University under Dr. Gary Aston-Jones
✔ B.S. in Psychology, Penn State University
✔ Faculty Advisor: Undergraduate Science Journal & Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Association
✔ Program Director: UCLA URC Research Endowment Programs (URFP, URSP, Summer Programs)
✔ Created new pipelines for immunofluorescent labeling, RNA–protein co-detection, and quantitative analysis
✔ Skilled in stereotaxic surgery, IV catheter implantation, cryosectioning, western blotting, behavioral testing, and advanced statistical analysis
✔ Experienced in scientific writing, grant writing, and publication development
✔ Postdoctoral Researcher at Rutgers University under Dr. Gary Aston-Jones
✔ B.S. in Psychology, Penn State University
✔ Faculty Advisor: Undergraduate Science Journal & Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Association
✔ Program Director: UCLA URC Research Endowment Programs (URFP, URSP, Summer Programs)
✔ Created new pipelines for immunofluorescent labeling, RNA–protein co-detection, and quantitative analysis
✔ Skilled in stereotaxic surgery, IV catheter implantation, cryosectioning, western blotting, behavioral testing, and advanced statistical analysis
✔ Experienced in scientific writing, grant writing, and publication development
Louisa Schilling
Neuroscientist, Data Analyst, PhD Candidate at Weill Cornell Medicine
✔ Ph.D. Candidate in Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medicine
✔ M.Sc. in Neuroscience – Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
✔ B.Sc. in Neuroscience & Cognitive Science – University of Toronto
✔ Research focus: computational modeling of brain dynamics to understand adolescent psychiatric risk
✔ Works with large-scale datasets, integrating neuroimaging, genetic, behavioral & psychological data
✔ Background in wet lab research (fiber photometry, surgery, rodent behavior, dopaminergic learning)
✔ Experienced mentor from high school to Master’s level students
✔ Taught graduate-level courses at Weill Cornell
✔ Co-leads the Machine Learning in Medicine seminar series
✔ M.Sc. in Neuroscience – Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
✔ B.Sc. in Neuroscience & Cognitive Science – University of Toronto
✔ Research focus: computational modeling of brain dynamics to understand adolescent psychiatric risk
✔ Works with large-scale datasets, integrating neuroimaging, genetic, behavioral & psychological data
✔ Background in wet lab research (fiber photometry, surgery, rodent behavior, dopaminergic learning)
✔ Experienced mentor from high school to Master’s level students
✔ Taught graduate-level courses at Weill Cornell
✔ Co-leads the Machine Learning in Medicine seminar series
Check Out Our Programme Schedule
Check Out Our Programme Schedule
A Day in Your Global Lab Journey
Get a feel for what your daily schedule will look like! Each day blends academic rigour with cultural enrichment, peer connection, and expert mentorship.
Here’s what a typical day includes:
Here’s what a typical day includes:
- Discipline-Specific Lectures – Deep dive into your chosen subject area.
- Lab Research Classes – Conduct actual experiments in the high-tech facility.
- Tutorials & Keynotes – Engage in small group discussions and hear from guest speakers.
- Meals & Breaks – Enjoy structured downtime with peers
- Evening Social Activities – Join our fun-filled game nights to relax and connect after class
Want the full breakdown?
Click here to view the full 2-week schedule.
Click here to view the full 2-week schedule.
Tuition Fee
$13,600
Tuition Fee consists of Non-refundable deposit ($1,500 USD) and Program cost.
Program Cost Includes:
- 70 hours of instruction (54 in-person and 16 online, split into 1:1 and group)
Hotel stay for 12 nights, shared with 1 other student
2 meals/day (breakfast & lunch)
Virtual sessions before and after residential experience
Lab materials fee ($1,000) - Full board (3 meals)
- All tutoring
- Trips/extracurricular activities
Does Not Include:
- Transportation to and from the UK
- Visa application
- Transfers within the UK
- Pocket money
How to Apply
Step 1. Declare Your Interest
Complete the form on this page, and you’ll be able to select a convenient time for an interview with our Admissions Committee. During the call, we’ll assess your application, discuss your candidacy, and provide more details about the programme.
Step 2. Secure Your Place
If you’re successful in the interview, we’ll send you an offer. To confirm your spot, simply pay a £1,000 deposit within 7 days.
Step 3. Complete Final Payment
The remaining balance is due 30 days before the programme begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss a class session?
In the off chance you're not able to attend one of the virtual class sessions, you can let the course administrator know, and she will send you a recording of the class you missed, as well as any homework or other instructions you may need. Be sure to give the Professor a heads up that you won't be able to attend!
Do you guarantee letters of recommendation?
We encourage all students to ask for recommendation letters that might help showcase their initiative and passion. While we cannot guarantee letters of recommendation – it would be unethical to do so –, Indigo mentors have been known to write excellent letters for students who complete their papers and are highly engaged during sessions.
What if I need more time to finish my paper?
The IRIS program has been designed to allow the vast majority of students to complete a 3-6 page paper in the time allotted. If you decide to write a longer paper, or you need more time to complete the 3-6 page paper, please contact your course administrator. She will help you assess whether or not you need more 1:1 sessions, or if offline support would be sufficient.
How do I get my paper published?
We teach students all the ins and outs of publishing research and offer a comprehensive database of journal and competition options for high school researchers. On top of that, Indigo also offers detailed guidelines and streamlined processes to submit to some of our partner journals. If you would like to get 1:1 guidance on getting published, you may purchase this separately, and a mentor will help you choose a target journal and complete all necessary steps for publication.
What is included in the programme fee?
- Individual accommodation
- Full board (3 meals)
- All tutoring
- Trips/extracurricular activities
What is not included in the programme fee?
- Transportation to and from the UK
- Visa application
- Transfers within the UK
- Pocket money
Who is this program suitable for?
The Indigo Global Research Lab program is designed for ambitious 16-19-year-old students who aspire to pursue careers in biological research
and attend top universities worldwide. Students should have a strong interest in biotechnology and life sciences, be academically driven, and
ready to engage in rigorous research methodologies. Our mentorship is delivered by experienced researchers and faculty, led by Dr. Jorge Avila,
with advanced degrees and expertise in biotechnology and neuroscience from prestigious research institutions.
How to enrol in the program?
Ensure you will be between 16 and 19 years old at the start of the program. Your English language proficiency will be assessed during the
interview process. Declare your interest by completing the form on this page, and you’ll be able to select a convenient time for an interview with
our Admissions Committee. During the call, we’ll assess your application, discuss your candidacy, and provide more details about the program.
If you’re successful in the interview, we’ll send you an offer. To confirm your spot, simply pay a $1,500 USD deposit within 7 days. The remaining
balance is due 30 days before the program begins.
What English level do I need to attend the program?
To successfully participate in the Indigo Global Lab program, you will need an Upper-Intermediate level of English. This ensures you can fully
engage with the course materials and effectively communicate with our expert tutors and your classmates.
What are the benefits of attending the Indigo Global Lab program?
- Complete a university-level review paper, ready for submission to an academic journal.
- Immerse yourself in Oxford’s world-famous academic culture, walking in the footsteps of Nobel Laureates and global changemakers.
- Stand out with a unique academic achievement that showcases your intellectual curiosity and commitment.
- Become eligible for two university credits through the Indigo Academic Conference and UCSB — while still in school!
- Collaborate with ambitious students from around the world — form friendships, expand your worldview, and join a truly international community.
What will I receive after the program?
Upon successful completion of the Indigo at Oxford programme, you will be celebrated at a formal award ceremony. As a testament to your achievements, you will receive a certificate recognizing your participation and accomplishments.
What type of research paper will I produce?
You'll produce an empirical research paper based on your own original laboratory research conducted in the wet lab. This means you'll be gathering and analyzing your own primary data through hands-on experiments.
When is the enrollment deadline?
Places are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications close when we reach capacity of 20 students or by October 15, 2025.
Will you help with a visa to attend the program?
Indigo Research does not provide visa assistance. All students are responsible for obtaining the necessary passport and visa for their chosen destination.
If I have to cancel, will I get my money back?
Indigo Cancellation Protection is available upon enrollment and charged as a one-time, non-refundable fee of $1,500 USD. This covers cancellations due to illness before departure. A doctor’s documentation is needed within 10 days of the claim.
