Access
Research access should not depend on where you study
We serve students who lack strong clinical research options at their home institution, including non-traditional and gap year applicants.
Clinical research
Free, remote clinical research with physician mentors nationwide
We match students with physician mentors at leading NIH-funded institutions and support each project from first question to final draft.
We are a nonprofit collaborative for students aspiring to be leaders in research, especially when those opportunities are limited at home.
Cost Free to join
Format Fully remote
Mentorship Physician mentors nationwide
Mission
Widen access to clinical research
The program is built for students with ability and commitment, not just students whose institutions already have strong research infrastructure.
Overview
What Judd offers students
Judd (JRC) is a national student collaborative that matches pre-medical and medical trainees with physician mentors in areas that fit their interests.
Projects center on data-driven clinical research, with a strong emphasis in oncology work that cuts across specialties.
Mentors are physicians working at leading NIH-funded institutions across the country.
Students are not placed and left on their own. Weekly support, project management, and regular mentor meetings keep the work moving.
- Matching built around fit
- Students are matched first by specialty interest, then by mentorship fit and student preference.
- A shared research structure
- Lab leads, peer review, and shared tools reduce confusion and help projects stay organized.
- Outcomes that continue forward
- Most students work toward publication, often with room to take ownership and grow into leadership.
Process
How the process works
Rolling admissions for student applicants is now open. The priority deadline for August enrollment is June 30th.
- 1
Step 1
Complete the first application
Start with a short application. Selected applicants move on to a brief pre-interview questionnaire and phone interview.
- 2
Step 2
Find the right mentor fit
We identify mentors and projects with close attention to specialty interest, mentorship style, and the kind of work a student hopes to do.
- 3
Step 3
Step into active projects
Students often develop their own projects using public data, shared methods, and guidance from experienced peers and mentors.
- 4
Step 4
Build toward publication and authorship
As projects develop, students receive feedback, revise their work, and learn how to contribute to a growing body of literature.
Students
Who should consider applying
The program is designed mainly for pre-medical and medical students, with room for others whose training would benefit from clinical research.
No prior research experience is required. We look for curiosity, follow-through, teamwork, and the ability to commit to the team at least five hours each week.
Faculty
What faculty mentors can expect
Faculty mentors are supported by lab leads, project tracking, and internal review, so their time can stay focused on guidance and scientific judgment.
Typical mentor involvement is modest, often around two hours each month, with flexibility for those who want to be more involved.
Partners
Medical schools, student programs, and funders are welcome to reach out if our mission aligns with their work.
Research
Types of research work
Students may work on clinical research using public cancer datasets, genomic data, systematic reviews, bibliometric studies, and related methods.
Many projects are grounded in oncology, but students do not need prior experience and may work across specialties when mentorship aligns.
Methods we use
- Systematic reviews
- Public cancer databases
- Genomics and bibliometrics
- Machine learning and AI
Fields we currently work in
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedics
- Spine
- Public Health
Apply
Ready to get started?
Start with the student application, or explore the faculty and partner pages to see where you fit.