Application deadline
9 November 2026
Student application and teacher assessment are due.
In-person Program
MEDscienceLAB Forensics
A hands-on forensic science program where students investigate a simulated crime, analyze laboratory evidence, and present a team conclusion.
Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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MEDscienceLAB Forensics at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; age 16+
Age range / Year group
Ages 16-18
Location / Region
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Cost
$2,250
Duration
4 days
Format
In-person
MedicineScience
Meals: Lunch and snacks included
Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of Completion
Campus experience: Research and simulation labs
Daily schedule: 9:00 AM-3:30 PM ET
MEDscienceLAB Forensics summary
Students solve a simulated criminal case through crime-scene investigation, witness interviews and hands-on laboratory analysis.
The practical work covers DNA extraction, fingerprinting, cellular microscopy, PCR, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, and hair and fiber analysis.
It suits students who want an intensive introduction to forensic science, laboratory methods and collaborative case reasoning.
What is MEDscienceLAB Forensics?
MEDscienceLAB Forensics is a practical forensic science program delivered by HMS MEDscience. Students enter a simulated criminal investigation, collect evidence, interview witnesses and test samples in Harvard Medical School research and simulation laboratories.
The academic focus combines crime-scene inquiry with molecular and analytical laboratory techniques. Working in teams, students interpret their results, write a forensic laboratory report and present a conclusion about the case.
Why Succeed highlights MEDscienceLAB Forensics
The simulated case gives individual laboratory techniques a clear investigative purpose.
Students encounter an unusually broad practical toolkit, including PCR, gel electrophoresis and ELISA.
The program connects scientific testing with evidence interpretation, report writing and oral communication.
MEDchats introduce careers across research, public health, biomedical science and medicine.
Team-based investigation develops critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration alongside technical skills.
Who is MEDscienceLAB Forensics for?
Best for
Students who enjoy biology, laboratory work and collaborative problem-solving, and want to explore how scientific evidence supports criminal investigations.
Not ideal if
You want a residential experience, academic credit or a lecture-led course with minimal practical laboratory work.
Is MEDscienceLAB Forensics worth it?
This program can be worthwhile for a student who wants concentrated, practical exposure to forensic laboratory science. The connected crime scenario makes it easier to understand why techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR and microscopy matter.
The main limitations are the substantial fee, competitive admissions and non-residential format. It is also a short, non-credit experience, so its value depends on active participation and thoughtful reflection afterward rather than the certificate alone.
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Founder, Succeed
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$2,250; includes Scrubs, All program materials, Lunch, Snacks.
Meals
Lunch and snacks included
Provider details
Review the Harvard Medical School provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
4 days; Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does MEDscienceLAB Forensics need?
Effort level
High-intensity, full-day practical program.
Best started
Begin the two-part application three to four weeks before 9 November 2026 so your teacher has time to complete the assessment.
Main challenge
Connecting varied evidence and laboratory results into one defensible case conclusion.
Typical preparation
Choose a teacher, counselor, school official, coach or mentor who can complete the assessment.
Draft the three application essays early and leave time for revision.
Confirm that parental consents and every student form are complete.
Check the application portal to ensure both application parts were received.
Useful if
You are comfortable collaborating, recording results and explaining scientific reasoning.
What do students do on MEDscienceLAB Forensics?
Students work through a simulated criminal investigation, moving from scene and witness evidence to laboratory testing, interpretation and a final case conclusion.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Visit a simulated crime scene and gather evidence.
- 2
Interview and interrogate witnesses as a forensic team.
- 3
Perform medical examinations and analyze collected samples.
- 4
Practice DNA extraction, fingerprinting and cellular microscopy.
- 5
Use PCR, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, and hair and fiber analysis.
- 6
Write a laboratory report explaining the team's expert opinion.
- 7
Present the case and conclusion at the end of the program.
MEDscienceLAB Forensics dates and deadlines
Upcoming
Programme dates
16-19 February 2027
Applications open
1 October 2026
The 2027 school-break application cycle begins.
Admission decisions
1 December 2026
Decisions are sent by email.
Enrollment deadline
10 December 2026
Accepted students complete payment and enrollment.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 9 November 2026 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
Programme dates | 16-19 February 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Applications open | 1 October 2026 | Local | Past | |
Admission decisions | 1 December 2026 | Local | Upcoming | |
Enrollment deadline | 10 December 2026 | Local | Upcoming |
Eligibility and requirements
Enrolled in Grades 9-12 when applying
At least age 16 at session start
International students may apply
Alumni must choose an uncompleted MEDscience program
How much does MEDscienceLAB Forensics cost?
Program fee
$2,250 — Covers the four-day school-break session.
Funding or discounts
- Scholarships: Partial to full — Limited need-based awards for eligible Greater Boston students.
What's included
Scrubs, All program materials, Lunch, Snacks
How to apply to MEDscienceLAB Forensics
- 1
Complete the student application through the official Regpack system.
- 2
Select the program and session, answer three essay questions, and provide parental consents.
- 3
Enter a teacher's name and email so the assessment request is sent automatically.
- 4
Follow up with the teacher to confirm the assessment form was received.
- 5
Use the Application Status Form to confirm both application parts were submitted.
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What does MEDscienceLAB Forensics cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Crime-scene investigation
Collect evidence, conduct medical examinations and question witnesses as a forensic team.
Molecular forensics
Practice DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis and ELISA.
Trace evidence
Examine fingerprints, cells, hair and fibers for investigative clues.
Case interpretation
Combine test results into a defensible account of the crime.
Scientific communication
Draft a laboratory report and present the team's final conclusion.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on MEDscienceLAB Forensics?
A typical day during the program.
First day
Students arrive early before the first scheduled day.
Tuesday Thursday
Full-day investigation and laboratory activities.
Friday
The final program day ends earlier.
Who teaches on MEDscienceLAB Forensics?
Students meet healthcare and research professionals during MEDchats. These sessions introduce careers in research, public health, biomedical science and medicine alongside the practical forensic work.
Named instructors and staff-to-student ratios are not published.
Where do students stay on MEDscienceLAB Forensics?
Non-residential plan
- Day program: Students attend full program days without provider housing.
- Meals: Lunch and snacks are included in the program fee.
- Campus laboratories: Activities use Harvard Medical School research and simulation laboratories.
Students staying locally must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or responsible adult throughout the program.
What happens after MEDscienceLAB Forensics?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Produce a forensic laboratory report explaining the team's expert opinion.
Present a case conclusion using evidence from the investigation.
Explore research, public health, biomedical science and medicine careers.
Receive a Certificate of Completion after full attendance.
Use the experience to reflect on future laboratory or medical study.
The program is short term and not for credit, and transcripts are not issued.
Where does MEDscienceLAB Forensics take place?
The program meets in the Armenise Building at Harvard Medical School, 210 Longwood Avenue in Boston. Students use research and medical simulation laboratory settings during the forensic investigation.
This is a non-residential program, so families arrange housing and travel.
MEDscienceLAB Forensics FAQs
Students investigate a simulated criminal case by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, testing samples and interpreting their results as a forensic team.
Published techniques include DNA extraction, fingerprinting, cellular microscopy, PCR, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, and hair and fiber analysis.
It meets at Harvard Medical School's Armenise Building, 210 Longwood Avenue in Boston, using research and simulation laboratory settings.
No. The program is non-residential, and families arrange travel and local accommodation. Students must stay with a parent, guardian or responsible adult.
The fee includes scrubs, all program materials, lunch and snacks.
No transcript is required, and there is no minimum GPA. The application includes student forms, three essays, parental consents and a teacher assessment.
Limited partial-to-full scholarships are available to eligible Greater Boston-area students. Financial circumstances and available funding affect award amounts.
Students who attend every program day receive a Certificate of Completion. The program is not for credit, and no transcript is provided.
Alternatives to MEDscienceLAB Forensics
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Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- MEDscienceLAB Forensics — HMS MEDscience
- School Break Program FAQs — HMS MEDscience
- Summer Program FAQs — HMS MEDscience
- Application, Fees, Scholarship — HMS MEDscience
- MEDscienceLAB Forensics — HMS MEDscience
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)
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How Succeed uses this information
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MEDscienceLAB Forensics
by Harvard Medical School
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