MEDscienceLAB Forensics

School Break Program

Solving a murder mystery happens more often at the lab bench than in the courtroom. The MEDscienceLAB Forensics School Break program will show you how. You and your forensics team will visit a “crime scene,” gather evidence, interview witnesses, test and analyze samples in the laboratory, and work collaboratively to solve a criminal case. This program in a Harvard Medical School Research Lab will also incorporate realistic cases in our MEDscience Simulation Lab. Join us to explore the science behind crime scene investigation!

Program Highlights

Become a crime scene investigator! Your team of forensics scientists will perform medical examinations, collect and analyze evidence, and even interview and interrogate witnesses. At the end of this program you will be able to present a case and its conclusion to any police detective or judge.
You will learn and practice forensics lab techniques including DNA extraction, fingerprinting, cellular microscopy, PCR, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, and hair and fiber analysis. Your team will draft a laboratory report summarizing your expert opinion that tells the story of the crime.
During our MEDchats, you will meet healthcare and research professionals in order to explore careers in research, public health, biomedical sciences, and medicine.
Critical thinking, problem-solving skills, effective communication, and teamwork will help you prepare for college, work, and life! Graduates of MEDscience programs gain the confidence to take the lead and manage a team to solve real-world problems.

“I loved this program so much and it really helped me get out of my shell and have a little bit less anxiety and more confidence about this field and about my opinions.”

— Student

At a glance

Program Duration
March School Break (4-day week)
Session 1: March 9-12, 2026
Session 2: March 16-19, 2026
Session 3: March 23-26, 2026
Monday-Thursday 9:00–3:30 ET
April School Break (4-day week)
April 21-24, 2026
Tuesday-Friday 9:00-3:30 ET

Location
The MEDscienceLAB program meets at Harvard Medical School, 210 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.

Program Fees
4-day week MEDscienceLAB Forensics program fee is $2250

Fee includes scrubs and all program materials

Fee includes snacks and lunch

HMS MEDscience provides a limited number of scholarships to Boston area students. The Scholarship Application Form can be found in the application.

Housing
HMS MEDscience Programs are non-residential programs. Housing and travel are not included and are the responsibilities of families/guardians. Students must be accompanied at their local accommodations by parents/guardians or responsible adults for the duration of the program.

Eligibility
Students must be in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12 at time of application.
Students must be at least 16 years old at the start of the MEDscienceLAB program session.
Alumni of HMS MEDscience programs, semester or summer, may only apply to programs that they have not completed.