The Department of Biomedical Sciences is housed in the Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) at Stellenbosch University’s Tygerberg Medical Campus, Cape Town, South Africa. Our Job-Shadow Programme, hosted within the BMRI, provides high school learners an opportunity to walk a mile in a scientists shoes and gain unique insight into what a career in research entails.
Our Societal Impact Task Team (SITT) host this programme bi-annually (during the second and third semester school holidays) in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences and Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), and can accommodate a total of 20 learners per intake.
2025 Job Shadow Program Dates:
- Generation Science (GenS) – hosted in collaboration with the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC): 30th June to 4th July
- STEMConnect: 6th to 10th October
Since its inception, the Job Shadow Program has evolved from a two-day program hosted solely within the MBHG Division to a week-long institute wide. This new and improved program, informed from feedback by past attendees, features more hands-on activities in various laboratory settings to give attendees a holistic view of the various options available within Biomedical research.
Learners interested in applying for this program must complete the online application form during the application cycles:
- GenS 2025: Application OPEN on 28th April, and CLOSE on 23rd May
- STEMConnect 2025: Applications OPEN on 4th August, and CLOSE on 29th August
Please be aware that space for the program is limited, and preference will be given to students from high school within the Cape Town region from underserved communities and who demonstrated alignment with the nature of our programme and its core objectives, namely those whose motivations underscore a keen interest in health research and careers in science specifically.
Please note that this programme is hosted in Cape Town, South Africa at the Stellenbosch Tygerberg Medical Campus. We do not cover costs of transport or accommodation incurred as a result of participation in the Job Shadow programme.
Please be informed that this initiative is exclusive to secondary school learners. Undergraduates wishing to visit our facility can attend the yearly Departmental Open Day. Details pertaining to this will be shared on our social media accounts so be sure to follow us.