Why? 

Based on the 2024 ECHO report, HIMS is invited to move from a color-blind¹ to a color-brave² approach to favor the inclusion of students from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly, but not exclusively, Dutch nationals of non-Western immigration background and People of color. 

¹ "I don't see any color, because to me everyone is equal”. Color in this context is not only meant literally but also implies other dimensions of diversity.

² "I do see color and recognize the challenges of structural exclusion, but also the added value people bring and treat everyone equally".

What? 

• Summer fellowships of 38 hrs/week open to HBO/HLO students. 
• Potential dates: July 6 to August 7. 4 weeks of research + 1 week to write a report. 
• A pilot with up to 5 fellows.
• A stipend of 1000 EUR for each fellow, for their sole discretionary use. 
• Opening and closing networking events.

Who? 

Target group: 

• HBO/HLO students at HvA, Inholland, HS Leiden, Utrecht and similar institutions.

When? 

• June 22: Application deadline. PIs start selection process.
• July 6-13: Internships start. 
• August: Write final report.

Assessment 

Candidate fellows apply to all projects with a CV and one-page motivation letter answering: 

• How do you feel diversity is a part of your identity? 
  Screened by Diversity Committee. 
• How do you think HIMS fits your background and ambitions in Chemistry? 
  Selection process by PIs, who can ask to be put in contact for interviews. 
• List of project priorities from most to least preferred.

Fellows and PIs are matched according to priorities that they both provide. 

Click here to view available projects and upload your application documents (requires Google account).
If you have any questions, please contact a.perezdealbaortiz@uva.nl.

Success and thank you for your interest!

Alumni

“I really enjoyed my fellowship at HIMS. Even though it was a short period, I learned a lot and got the chance to work with analytical techniques such as pyrolysis GC–MS, which I wouldn’t normally have access to at my university. I’m very grateful for this opportunity, as it gave me valuable practical experience and insight into real research work. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to spend their summer learning something new and meaningful!”
Jihane El Boulahiani

"My fellowship at HIMS was an amazing experience! In just four weeks, I learned about plastic recycling and hydrothermal liquefaction and even conducted my own research on the topic. This field was new to me and turned out to be fascinating. My supervisors taught me a lot while giving me full freedom to set my own goals and plan experiments. I also loved getting a ‘demo version’ of what an internship at UvA feels like! Beyond the lab, we had a fantastic exclusive tour to the Rijksmuseum and several fun lunches and dinners with other fellows."
Marianna Zherebtsova

"My summer fellowship within the Synthesis & Catalysis group was an inspiring experience. Coming from an HBO background with a strong focus on analytical chemistry, it allowed me to discover a different side of chemistry in practice and challenged me to step confidently into the unknown. HIMS offered a warm, welcoming environment with an open and genuinely supportive atmosphere."
Natalia Łukowicz