For high schoolers interested in a career in science, there are few better summer opportunities than the Illinois Summer Research Academy at Illinois State University.

Approximately 35 high school students from across the state came to campus June 20–⁠24 this year for this long-running summer event that is sponsored by the Center of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (CeMaST). Participants spent the week with Illinois State professors and students getting hands-on experience with research projects in biology and chemistry. The students were then able to contribute to those projects or work with their peers on projects of their own.

Check out the video below to learn more about the event, see research in action, and hear from Illinois State professors and high school students about why this week is important to them.