Amgen Scholars Discover Their Potential During Summer Science Research Program and National...( THOUSAND OAKS Calif...),Health

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- From July 18-20, more than 260 of the country's brightest undergraduate students met at UCLA for the third annual Amgen Scholars U.S. Symposium designed to bring together program participants and help them apply their science research experiences into future science careers.

The three-day symposium is a key component of the Amgen Scholars Program, a $27.5 million initiative that provides undergraduates the opportunity for hands-on research at some of the world's leading universities. During the symposium, hosted by the Amgen Foundation in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), students shared their summer research projects and heard firsthand from leading industry and academic scientists.

"More than ever before, we need to prepare and inspire the next generation of scientists to ensure the future of innovative discoveries," said Jean J. Lim, president of the Amgen Foundation. "The Amgen Foundation is committed to leading the way for the Amgen Scholars to learn about the many different scientific career paths available to them."

The 2009 Amgen Scholars, who have an average GPA of 3.73 were selected from more than 4,000 applications to participate in the Amgen Scholars U.S. Program and attend the mid-summer symposium. Under the mentorship of faculty members, the students - representing 136 schools from across 39 states and territories - are exploring areas of research beyond what they may be able to do as part of their regular undergraduate education.

"The Amgen Scholars Program is quickly becoming one of the most competitive summer research programs in the country," said Christopher M. Jones, director of the Amgen Scholars U.S. program office at MIT. "We are excited to see the Amgen Scholars alumni go on to pursue doctorates at leading universities and
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