This award will be given annually to three outstanding medical students in the Department of Medicine with an interest in medical or health-related research. Medical students are encouraged to apply for this eight-week summer internship program with a Department of Medicine research mentor.
Awardees will be provided with a $1,500 travel allowance and $500 to the mentor lab in addition to the stipend of $4,000 over the course of the 8-week summer training. The project will be conducted during the summer between the MS1 and MS2 years.
This award honors Dr. William J. Koopman, Distinguished Professor and Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Medicine, renowned for his groundbreaking work on synovial tissue and autoantibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. His insights led to novel treatments, including arthritis-fighting proteins, a monoclonal antibody, and a vaccine. His distinguished career inspires young investigators.
2026 Koopman Award Timeline
Common Application Due: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
Notification of Award: Friday, April 17, 2026
Start of Funding: Monday, June 8, 2026
Research Progress Summary: April 2027
Applications can be submitted at this linked page.
Koopman Award Application Details
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Applicant Criteria
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First year medical students
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With an interest in medical or health-related research
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Who are available for an 8-10 week summer internship during the summer between the MS1 and MS2 years
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Who have selected a research mentor with a primary or secondary appointment in the DOM
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Application Process
- Select a faculty sponsor
- With sponsor, outline a research project
- Apply with the common application form (Deadline: March 31) http://www.uab.edu/medicine/mssrp/
- Research Proposal: Follow the common Summer Research Project Proposal guidelines
- William J. Koopman Specific: Interviews for competitive applicants (early April)
- More Information: https://www.uab.edu/medicine/mssrp/
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Key Details
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Awarded annually to 3-4 outstanding medical students
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Includes a stipend of $500/week over the course of the summer training
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Also provided a $1,500 travel allowance
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Awardees will present a poster at the DOM Trainee Research Symposium
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Career peer mentoring provided by former William J. Koopman Scholars
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