Summer Research Program 2026: Research & Build
Build unique projects. Work with global PhD mentors. Produce original research that distinguishes top 1% student portfolios.
Summer Research Program 2026: Research & Build
Build unique projects. Work with global PhD mentors. Produce original research that distinguishes top 1% students portfolios.
Global Researchers
The Ultimate Summer Program
6-weeks | 30 hours | Online + Offline
STEM Track
Research + Build
Robotics/AI prototype & PCMC experiments
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of coding, machine learning or hands-on building before joining this track.
Research Masterclasses
Read 5 interest-related research papers and write short summaries. Learn to frame problems and structure their findings.
Write 5 summaries
Ideate & Design the Prototype/Experiment
Brainstorm project ideas, lock a specific research question and plan exactly how to test it - what to build, what to measure and what defines success
Research Question + Design/experiment plan
★ Industry Insights 1: Guest session
Real engineers and scientists share what problems they actually work on day to day.
Build Prototype v1
Build the prototype, run the experiment, or collect data — depending on the project. Mentors guide the work session by session.
Prototype v1 or Experiment Starts
Test and Analyse
Final build for robotics/AI projects - validate design and functionality. For science projects, this is where data gets analysed and patterns start to emerge.
Ready Dataset + Test Results
Write the research
Write — how the prototype worked, what the data showed, diagrams and schematics included.
1st Draft Research Paper
Finalise Paper and Demo Presentation
Write Abstract and conclusion. Paper completed with references. Then present in a final session with a panel of researchers & industry experts.
Final paper + Demo Showcase
★ Industry Insights 2: Guest lecture + final showcase
Students present their finished work. Friends and family invited — great moment to celebrate.
A publishable research paper + working prototype
Submit to competitions, science fairs and optional journal publication pathway
Non-STEM Track
Research + Policy/Strategy Design
Economics/business/psychology paper based on a real-world issue.
Pre-requisite: Strong interest in chosen subject and ability to write theories about it, tested in the application essay.
Research Masterclasses
Read 5 interest-related research papers and write short summaries. Learn to differentiate between an opinion and an argument backed by evidence.
Write 5 summaries
Brainstorming & Build the Framework
Brainstorm project ideas. Finalise a sharp research question with the mentor and plan how to collect and evaluate evidence to answer it.
Research Question + Methodology Approach
★ Industry Insights 1 : Guest session
How economists and policy experts evaluate real-world decisions — a window into applied research.
Primary Data Collection
For economics and social science: Primary data collection and analysis begins. For humanities: themes identified and analyzed from sources.
Data/theme notes
Analyse and Build the case
Results section written. For economics: data analysis done. For humanities: themes fully written up. The argument starts to take shape.
Ready Datasets + Results section drafted
Write the paper
Results, discussion and conclusion written. Counterarguments addressed. The paper makes a clear, evidence-backed recommendation.
1st Draft Research Paper
Finalise Paper and Defend
Abstract, References completed. Paper finalised. Now defend the research & recommendation in a final presentation to a panel of researchers & industry experts.
Final Paper + Presentation
★ Industry Insights 2: Guest lecture + final showcase
Students present finished work. A chance to celebrate — and invite friends who might be interested in the next cohort.
A publishable paper + competition submissions
Submit to economics, humanities and business case competitions
STEM Track
Research + Build
Robotics/AI prototype & PCMC experiments
Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge of coding, machine learning, or hands-on building before joining this track.
Research Masterclasses
Read 5 interest-related research papers and write short summaries. Learn to frame problems and structure their findings.
Write 5 summaries
Ideate & Design the Prototype/Experiment
Brainstorm project ideas, lock a specific research question and plan exactly how to test it- what to build, what to measure and what defines success
Research Question + Design/experiment plan
★ Industry Insights 1: Guest session
Real engineers and scientists share what problems they actually work on day to day.
Build Prototype v1
Build the prototype, run the experiment, or collect data — depending on the project. Mentors guide the work session by session.
Prototype v1 or Experiment Starts
Test and Analyse
Final build for robotics/AI projects - validate design and functionality. For science projects, this is where data gets analysed and patterns start to emerge.
Ready Dataset + Test Results
Write the research
Write — how the prototype worked, what the data showed, diagrams and schematics included.
1st Draft Research Paper
Finalise Paper and Demo Presentation
Write Abstract and conclusion. Paper completed with references. Then present in a final session with a panel of researchers & industry experts.
Final paper + Demo Showcase
★ Industry Insights 2: Guest lecture + final showcase
Students present their finished work. Friends and family invited — great moment to celebrate.
A publishable research paper + working prototype
Submit to competitions, science fairs and optional journal publication pathway
Non-STEM Track
Research + Policy/Strategy Design
Economics/business/ psychology paper based on a real-world issue.
Pre-requisite: Strong interest in chosen subject and ability to write theories about it — tested in the application essay.
Research Masterclasses
Read 5 interest-related research papers and write short summaries. Learn to differentiate between an opinion and an argument backed by evidence.
Write 5 summaries
Brainstorming & Build the Framework
Brainstorm research ideas. Finalise a sharp research question with the mentor and plan how to collect and evaluate evidence to answer it.
Research Question + Methodology Approach
★ Industry Insights 1 : Guest session
How economists and policy experts evaluate real-world decisions — a window into applied research.
Primary Data Collection
For economics and social science: Primary data collection and analysis begins. For humanities: themes identified and analyzed from sources.
Data/theme notes
Analyse and Build the case
Results section written. For economics: data analysis done. For humanities: themes fully written up. The argument starts to take shape.
Ready Datasets + Results section drafted
Write the paper
Results, discussion, and conclusion written. Counterarguments addressed. The paper makes a clear, evidence-backed recommendation.
1st Draft Research Paper
Finalise Paper and Defend
Abstract, References completed. Paper finalised. Now defend the research & recommendation in a final presentation to a panel of researchers & industry experts.
Final Paper + Presentation
★ Industry Insights 2: Guest lecture + final showcase
Students present finished work. A chance to celebrate — and invite friends who might be interested in the next cohort.
A publishable paper + competition submissions
Submit to economics, humanities and business case competitions
Case Studies
How can EPR laws be used in Indonesia to fight the plastic pollution problem?
An excellent track and field athlete, Bhavna was a popular candidate for multiple Ivy League schools, but she wanted to showcase a greater depth in her academic track record. She joined AddedNova in Grade 10 with this goal, and enriched her profile with a uniquely positioned research paper looking into Indonesia’s EPR laws.
Environmental and Sustainable Application of Fungi
An already high-performing student in Grade 9 with multiple extracurriculars under his belt, Aryan wanted to diversify his profile and explore writing a research paper on his long-time passion: Bioengineering and its environmental applications. With guidance from his AddedNova mentor, he successfully presented his paper in Fungi Future Project Award.
Nitrogen concentrations in surface water and bottom water of Tolo Harbour, Hong Kong, and its potential effect on marine life
Maddie applied her research with AddedNova on Marine Biology to link to a wider community outside of Hong Kong and successfully published her paper in a highly acclaimed peer-reviewed journal.
Our Student Footprint
We’re on a mission to make outstanding global scholars
Who is this For?
Eligibility
- Recommended Age: 13–18
- Time commitment: 4–5 hours per week
- Soft Skills needed: Self-motivated and able to work independently
- Hard Skills needed: Basic writing skills, Basic competency with Excel or other statistical tool, Basic coding skills (required for relevant STEM tracks)
Application Process
The following application process ensures students are placed in a serious academic cohort.
Passion Essay Submission
Evaluated by Ivy League subject experts
Research Interview with Columbia, Yale and Oxbridge PhD Researchers
1:1 discussion with a researcher to assess readiness
Final Decision
Acceptance based on fit and rigor
Why This Program Exists
Top universities are not looking for students who only score well. Research develops the crucial skills top college admissions committees value most:
- Independent thinking
- Analytical reasoning
- Original Ideas: Show Maturity Beyond Grades
- Rhetorical skills to build, communicate and defend original ideas
- Networking & presentation skills
Students complete the program with a tangible intellectual credential — not simply a participation certificate.
FAQs
1. Why apply to the Early Decisions Cohort? Can I wait to enroll later in summer?
Each subject cohort has only 5 spots. Availability is subject to subject-matter cohort fill-rate. The sooner you qualify for mentor allocation & start, the better your chances to get in.
2. Does my child need prior research experience?
No prior research experience is required. However, students should have:
- Basic subject-matter knowledge (especially for STEM)
- Willingness to learn & work independently
For advanced tracks (like robotics), prior exposure in component building/coding is preferred.
3. How are mentors selected?
Mentors are carefully vetted researchers and subject experts, often with:
- Academic research experience
- Teaching or mentoring background
- Ability to guide independent student work
The focus is on the quality of mentorship, not just credentials.
4. What is the final outcome of the program?
By the end of the program, students will have:
- A complete research paper or project submitted to competitions
- A presentation or prototype demo
The emphasis is on process, learning, and authenticity, not just the final output.
5. Will this guarantee publication or competition wins?
No. The program does not guarantee:
- Publication
- Awards or competition results
However, we have a 95% success achieving publication and competition wins.
6. Can students choose their own research topic?
Yes, students typically:
- Explore ideas with mentors
- Refine them into a clear research question
For younger students, guided topic options may be provided to ensure completion within the timeline.