Office of Medical Student Research: Independent Scholarly Project

The Independent Scholarly Project (ISP) is a requirement for all students at Georgetown University School of Medicine and must be completed prior to graduation. Each student pursues a scholarly project that answers (or seeks to answer) a research question under the supervision of a mentor. Students may identify their own research question/project and then find the appropriate mentor or develop a research question/project under the guidance of a mentor. View a more detailed explanation of the ISP process.

Many students begin to explore ISP opportunities during their first two years at GUSOM. We encourage contacting the Student Research Advisory Committee if you are interested in research and ISP involvement during those years. The Resources page will also provide further information.

Important Deadlines: – M2026

October 10th, 2025 (M4) – Proposal

February 27, 2026 (M4) – Abstract Submission for Oral Presentation

Participant registration (for graduating class, participation is mandatory) – open from 01/05/2026 – 02/09/2026  

(M4) – Poster Template

Friday, 00/ 00, 2026 (M4) – George M. Kober, MD Annual Medical Students Research Day – ISP Research Poster Presentations

Monday, April 13, 2026 (M4) – ISP mentor evaluation

Monday, April 16, 2026 (M4) – ISP completion form