6000+
Students mentored since 2020
4x
Our alumni are 4 TIMES more likely to be accepted to Ivy Leagues (20%) than the global average (5%)
50+
Academic journals that have published our students’ work
$1,800,000+
Financial Aid awarded to low-income students
Founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Junior Explorer Program helps students work 1-on-1 with a Ph.D. mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about.
A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF AMBITIOUS STUDENTS
Our students and mentors represent some of the most globally competitive institutions.
Lumiere Scholars
Lumiere PhD Mentors
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LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR
DHRUVA BHAT
Harvard College ’17
Oxford PhD, Rhodes Scholar
As a kid, I remember asking questions that stumped my parents. They would always answer – but I could tell that I was just pressing at the edge of their knowledge.
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Looking back, I wish I had a mentor who was as nerdy as I was about my interests (in 7th grade it was economics for me!). That’s why I started Lumiere and our Junior Explorer program. In the program, you work 1-1 with a world-class expert to explore an area that excites you (I’m one of the mentors)!
Last year, we had over 5000 students apply to our programs. It’s not a great fit for all students – we’re usually best for ambitious and gifted students. But, for those for whom it makes sense, we’re excited to help you explore.
EXPLORATION TRACKS
Choose an area that inspires you, collaborate with expert mentors, and develop work that makes an academic and practical impact.
STEM
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Computer Science
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AI & Data Science
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Psychology
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Physics & Astrophysics
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Biology, Medicine, and Public Health
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Environment Studies
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Economics
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Business, Entrepreneurship, and Strategy
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History, International Relations, and Government
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Mathematics
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​Engineering
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Sociology and Anthropology
Explore more detailed timelines for each track in our brochure
UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES AND PROGRAM DATES
COHORT
APPLICATION DEADLINE
START DATE
Spring Cohort 2025
February 9, 2025​
March 3, 2025
Summer Cohort I 2025
Early Admission - February 9, 2025
Priority Admission - March 9, 2025
Regular Admission I - April 13, 2025
Regular Admission II - May 11, 2025
June 2, 2025
Summer Cohort II 2025
June 23, 2025
July 14, 2025
YOUR MENTORS
Over 1000 mentors from world-class universities excited to train the next generation of researchers.
BRENDON BULLARD
Harvard University
Ph.D. Candidate
Physics and Astrophysics​
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SPECIALIZATION
Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
WHAT OUR ALUMNI AND PARENTS SAY
Katherine, 8th grade,
Dover-Sherborn Middle School
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program taught me how to process, read, and write scientific literature— invaluable skills for anyone pursuing a STEM career. I would never have been able to learn this much on my own. It also helped me focus, work effectively with adults, and ask better questions.
I’ve used these skills to become a better student and explore new opportunities. This program has had a large impact on who I am today and who I hope to become as a STEM professional.
Research Topic: CRISPR Screens Identify Genetic Regulators of Immunotherapy Response
Mentor: Ashley, Ph.D, University of Michigan
Mukti, Amey’s mom, 6th grade,
Hillview Middle School​
“Amey was able to challenge himself and learned so much from his mentor. This experience pushed him to work harder, ask questions and dive into the field of gene mutations and possible treatments.​​
The discussions that he had with his mentor around the world of prime editing, ethics and morality is something he continues to think about as the field evolves."
Research Topic: The Application of Prime Editing in Curing Genetic Diseases (Hemochromatosis)
Mentor: Dongwook, Ph.D, University of Pennsylvania
Bruce, 8th grade,
Mary Institute Country Day School
I joined JEP because of my passion for finance and economics. The program gave me the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on equity and fixed-income performance, challenging traditional portfolio theories.
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Working with my mentor and looking at historical real-world financial data was an invaluable experience, helping me improve my analytical skills.
Research Topic: Sector Performance and Diversification: Analysis of Equity and Fixed-Income Correlations in the S&P 500
Mentor: Vicente, Ph.D, London Business School
GET STARTED WITH RESEARCH IN 3 STEPS
Joining our program is designed to be a straightforward and rigorous process. Here’s how you can get started:
Submit Application
Complete our detailed application about your interests and achievements.
Interview Stage
After careful review, top students are invited to interview.
Start The Program
Selected students will be matched with a mentor in their selected track.