CRISP (Clinical Research Internship Portal), launched by Duke CTSI in 2021, is a centralized portal designed to facilitate the matchmaking and onboarding of students from affiliated institutions participating in internships at Duke. By partnering with departments across Duke, CRISP streamlines the process of matching students with departments that align with their interests and ensuring all onboarding steps are completed efficiently.

While CRISP aims to match students with departments that suit their needs, a match is not guaranteed for every student, as it depends on the department’s availability and capacity to host an intern at a given time. The portal also manages affiliation agreements that define placement parameters, while unaffiliated institutions may request partnerships through CRISP.

Additionally, CRISP supports interns’ professional development through workshops designed to enhance their skills and knowledge during their internship experience.

At this time, only students from institutions that have existing internship agreements with Duke University are eligible to participate in internships at Duke. These schools include:

• Duke University (Undergraduate students only)

• Campbell University

• Durham Technical Community College

• Elon University

• Greensboro College

• Meredith College

• North Carolina Central University

• Northern Illinois University

• University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

• University of North Carolina, Greensboro

• University of North Carolina, Wilmington

• University of North Florida

• Wake Forest University

CRISP provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to enhance professional growth and organizational integration. These services include:

• Onboarding: CRISP ensures a smooth transition for new members by providing thorough onboarding processes, which help individuals quickly acclimate to their roles and understand the organization's culture and operations.

• Training: CRISP provides comprehensive training for both preceptors and students.

  • For preceptors, a self-paced online module equips them with an understanding of hosting a clinical research intern, covering responsibilities, characteristics of a successful internship, and guidance on suitable intern activities.

  • For students, two self-paced online modules are available: the first introduces interns to the purpose of a clinical research internship, their role, strategies for taking ownership of their experience, and general professional expectations; the second encourages critical thinking in specific scenarios, teaching interns to take a "Time Out" when dealing with study information, study participants, and sensitive data.

• Professional Development: CRISP is dedicated to the continuous professional growth of its members. Through various professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs, CRISP helps individuals advance their careers and stay updated with industry trends and best practices.

Submit your opportunity via our online portal.

If you are currently enrolled as a student at one of the institutions that have existing internship agreements with Duke University, please email crisp@duke.edu with a copy of your resume and a response to the below questions.

• Do you have any particular clinical area(s) of interest (examples: Cardiology, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Primary Care) and/or other research-related area(s) of interest (examples: mobile health technology, health equity)?

• What is your preferred timeframe for completing the internship (e.g., spring, summer, fall)?

• What is your expected time commitment (hours per week), and are there specific days/times you are available?

• How would this internship fit into your long-term career goals (what do you hope to gain from the experience)?

• Do you have any other commitments (e.g., work, extracurricular activities) that might affect your availability during the internship?

• Would this go towards course credit?

• Are you aware that this would be unpaid?

Clinical research interns are individuals who plan to come to Duke for the purposes of educational or professional training in clinical research as part of a formal or informal educational program. Any interns and students who are hosted at Duke to learn about clinical research should be onboarded through the Clinical Research Internship Portal (CRISP). Interns onboarded through CRISP may include:

• CRISP External student/trainee/intern: A non-Duke student or trainee participating in a training or internship program through a CRISP Clinical Research Academic Affiliation Agreement between Duke and another academic institution.  

• CRISP Duke student/trainee/intern: A Duke student or trainee participating in a training or internship program through a Duke University Intern Clinical Research Participation Agreement between Duke and the student. This may be a Duke undergraduate student, trainee, or other Duke student designated by the School of Medicine as requiring onboarding through CRISP.