The Clarkson Trudeau Biomedical Scholars Semester Program is an intensive semester-long living and learning experience and a separate summer research program that both take place at the renowned Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake.

The program appeals to students interested in the field of human health science and biotechnology. Courses are designed to fit seamlessly with Clarkson University Biology and Biomolecular Science majors. It is also attractive to students from other majors at Clarkson as well as other universities who seek a rigorous program that will enrich their academic and life experiences in preparation for a career in the medical field.

All courses will take place at the Trudeau Institute. Academic credits (15 cr.) for the entire semester will be offered by Clarkson University.

2021 Trudeau Scholars Presentations Recording

About Trudeau Biomedical Scholars

Elizabeth Leadbetter and Rachel Fromme working research at the Trudeau Institute

The Clarkson Trudeau Semester in Biomedical Sciences Program (the "Trudeau Semester") is an undergraduate program designed to provide a select group of undergraduate students the opportunity to learn multidisciplinary aspect of bioscience related to the human health field.

The Trudeau Semester is taught by Clarkson and Trudeau Institute faculty who are experts in their respective fields. The academic program provides a range of disciplines that by design will each contribute to a related topic that is the focus of a semester-long, integrative project that aims to demonstrate how technology serves humanity, a core Clarkson value.

Life at Trudeau

Students reside in furnished townhouse apartments owned by the Institute. Students provide their own food and bedding, and do their own laundry and cooking in residence. A passenger van is available for students to travel the 1.8 miles from the Ampersand Avenue townhouses to the Institute on Algonquin Avenue

History of the Trudeau Institute
Trudeau Institute

The Trudeau Institute's fundamental research on immunity fosters the development of vaccines, treatments and cures for many life-threatening diseases, including cancer, tuberculosis and influenza.

Since its founding in 1884 as a tuberculosis treatment and research facility, the Institute has been committed to improving health through medical research.

On November 20, 2013, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a partnership between New York State, Clarkson University, and the Trudeau Institute to form a world-class biotech enterprise and further establish the region as a premier center of biotechnology research and development. This partnership will build the capabilities of both organizations to bring their extensive academic, clinical, federal and corporate networks together to expand translational research, support the emerging biotech cluster in northern New York, and take products from the laboratory to the clinic and into commercialization, all of which is envisioned to generate high-paying jobs in northern New York.

Trudeau Institute Admissions Process

The program at Trudeau is offered every spring semester. Students from any college or universities are invited to apply and typically major in the sciences or engineering fields and attend during their junior or senior year. You must be in good academic standing with your home institute and have preferably completed at least one course in biology and chemistry.

We accept applications on a rolling admission basis. Applications should be submitted by the October prior to the spring program the student is applying to participate in.

Applicants from Clarkson University
  • Schedule an academic advising appointment to confirm that credits earned will support your academic goals.
  • Complete the on-line application.
  • The application is reviewed by the admissions panel and if you meet the basic criteria, you will be invited to interview.
  • Students will be notified of their status within 2 weeks after their submission.
  • Room selection in the residence in Saranac Lake is based upon application completion.
Applicants from Other Institutions
  • Discuss your plans to attend with your academic advisor and your study abroad or off-campus studies office.
  • Complete the on-line application.
  • If your college is an affiliated institute, you will receive credit directly through that institution.
  • If your college is not yet affiliated with Clarkson’s Trudeau Scholars in Biomedical Sciences Program, our office will work with your institute to ensure that you receive full credit.
  • Accepted students will pay Clarkson’s tuition rates and housing fees based on single occupancy.
  • If you receive financial aid or scholarship funds, we will work with your institution’s financial aid office to determine the transferability of your aid. Clarkson University may offer financial assistance through scholarships depending on need.
  • The application is reviewed by our admissions panel and if you meet the basic criteria a phone interview will be scheduled.
  • Students will be notified of their status within 2 weeks after the application deadline.
Information for All Applicants

All applicants must have a tuberculin screening skin test prior to final admission. The reason for this is that the Trudeau Institute is a facility that actively conducts research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the microbe responsible for the disease tuberculosis. The test verifies if a student has been previously exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis or is at high risk of infection. More information on this test is available from the US Center for Disease Control.