Explore Summer Research at Harvard Business School
The Program for Research in Markets & Organizations (PRIMO) has been designed to bring together a select group of motivated undergraduates interested in getting exposure to business research on a variety of cutting-edge ideas.
The primary goal of the program is to build and foster a strong community of scholars committed to excellence in research as part of the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village.
PRIMO fellows will be offered Harvard campus housing, a partial board plan, and a modest research stipend. As part of the community of researchers, students will participate in enrichment activities such as faculty lectures, professional development workshops, presentation opportunities, and social events.
Application Deadline
Interviews
Offers Extended
Program Held
Eligibility
PRIMO is open to continuing students (those who will be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors) who are in good standing at a 4-year undergraduate institution in the United States. International students who are enrolled at a US institution are eligible to apply. Upon completion of the program, students return to their home institution to complete their undergraduate degrees. We are unable to sponsor participants from institutions outside of the United States, recent graduates, or those with graduate degrees.
Students must commit to the full ten weeks of the program. Program dates are not flexible. PRIMO Fellows are expected to fully participate in all programming, including activities not associated with individual research projects, such as evening activities hosted by the Research Village community. While many activities are voluntary, other PRIMO activities, especially those associated with Harvard faculty, are mandatory for all Fellows.
A successful application will demonstrate the following:
A strong dedication to developing or furthering academic interest and excellence in business research;
The ability and desire to participate successfully and enthusiastically in a diverse community of scholars;
An academic record demonstrating success in coursework that develops theoretical knowledge and/or practical application of academic principles in research;
A commitment to participate and contribute for the full ten weeks of the Program. Individuals taking summer school courses, preparing for summer graduate school entrance exam, or engaging in full-time public service projects are not eligible to participate in PRIMO.
Research Projects
Applicants may view former summer projects featured in the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village Abstract Book.
Faculty members develop research projects for undergraduates and mentor them throughout the process. Projects may come from individuals or small groups of faculty in a research lab setting, and doctoral students may also be involved as junior mentors and research colleagues. PRIMO fellows will have access to the research resources of Harvard Business School (HBS).
The Campus Experience
Special Events & Evening Programs
Weekly seminars at HBS will include a number of topics specifically designed to augment and enrich knowledge about research and careers in academia and in business. Faculty and PhD students will present research topics across all of the different academic units at HBS. In addition, Fellows will have the opportunity to practice speaking about their research, and learn about post-graduate career opportunities. There will be additional programming, guest speakers, and events hosted by the Research Village on evenings and weekends.
Residential Life
PRIMO fellows will live in a designated Harvard College House through the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV). HSURV students live together on campus, eat in the dining hall, and create a robust and exciting living, learning, and social community of undergraduate students.
Dining
Meals will be provided to Fellows at Spangler Center at HBS and through the dining hall affiliated with the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV).
Recreational & Social Activities
Fellows are eligible to register for free use of Harvard athletic facilities, including the Malkin Athletic Center, Hemenway Gymnasium, and Blodgett Pool. A calendar of activities will include a range of opportunities to socialize and take advantage of Boston's cultural and recreational summer offerings, including a variety of excursions and Fellow-initiated community events sponsored by HSURV.
