In the heart of Sanford Research, you’ll find a state-of-the-art research lab that provides research space and equipment for the community.
Public and private groups are welcome to use the space for:
We also host events including a family science festival and a community lecture series.
Career Discovery Night
There is no single roadmap to a career in research. Meet professionals who found their way into research through different academic and career experiences. Through their stories, you will gain a better understanding of what a career in research looks like and how you can begin exploring your own path.
Date: Thursday, November 12th
Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Sanford Research | 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD
Topic: Research Careers
Link to register: https://bit.ly/3VsYGLn
BRI day is hosted by the PROMISE Lab at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, SD. These one-day immersive experiences give students the chance to dig deep into a topic. They will learn firsthand from research scientists and get an inside look at the research lab. Two sessions are scheduled for the 2026-2027 academic year: Anatomy of a Tumor: Computational Insights into Lung Cancer Date: Tuesday, October 13th, 2026 Ever wondered what causes healthy cells to become cancer cells? In this hands-on, day-long experience, you'll investigate the role of a gene called Sox2 in lung cancer with the Kareta Lab. Explore the anatomy of the lung through a guided dissection, then step into the role of a cancer researcher by analyzing patient DNA samples using PCR and gel electrophoresis, two powerful tools used in real biomedical research labs. Get to Know the Tumor Neighborhood Date: Monday, April 19th, 2027 What if a tumor was like a city with its own network of neighbors helping it thrive? In this immersive experience, you'll explore the fascinating world of cancer biology by examining tissue samples, building a tumor neighborhood model, and learning how scientists detect cancer biomarkers. Work with researchers from the de la Puente Lab and experience the science behind the search for new cancer treatments. Registration and Attendance
Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm (lunch provided)
Who: Students in grades 10-12
Where: Sanford Research | 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls (PROMISE Community Lab)
Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm (lunch provided)
Who: Students in grades 10-12
Where: Sanford Research | 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls (PROMISE Community Lab)
Sanford PROMISE summer programs are a great way to gain hands-on science experience and explore a scientific topic in depth. All programs will operate on a rolling admission with first come, first served. Registration will open on February 1st, 2027 and will close when a date reaches capacity. All Sioux Falls sessions will take place at Sanford Research and all one and two-day camps are free to attend.
Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to receive the dates and links to register.
Jedi Genetics: Exploring biomarkers and genetics through a Star Wars lens
Unlock the mysteries hidden within our cells! In this one-day program, students will investigate how DNA and biomarkers provide valuable clues about health, disease, and identity. Participants will step into the role of scientists by conducting an ELISA and performing gel electrophoresis, two essential laboratory techniques used in modern medicine and research.
Open to students grades 6-8 in the 2026-2027 school year. Full attendance is required. This program is a one-day event and will be offered at several different dates throughout the summer. A minimum of 10 registrants is needed for the camp to proceed.
All sessions are scheduled from 8:30am-3:00pm.
Monday, June 7th - Sioux Falls, SD
Wednesday, June 9th - Fargo, ND
Wednesday, June 23rd - Sisseton, SD
Wednesday, June 30th - Sioux Falls, SD
Thursday, July 15th - Sioux Falls, SD
Finding Your Roots: A Genetics and Genealogy Experience
What is more interesting than you? In this program, students will use science to answer the question “Who am I?” Students will extract and analyze their own DNA, learn about human evolution, and dig into the stories of their ancestors.
Participants will need parental/guardian permission to submit a DNA sample in April in order to be enrolled in the program. Due to costs associated with this program, a $100 deposit by check is required when picking up the DNA test. The deposit will be fully refunded if the student attends all four days of the program. The program is limited to 24 students on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must be able to attend all four days of this program, partial attendance will not be accepted. Check out this blog to learn more about what this program entails. There is no housing or care provided outside of program hours. If coming from outside of Sioux Falls, you will be responsible for lodging and care of the student. If the deposit is a financial barrier to attending the program, please reach out to sanfordoutreach@sanfordhealth.org.
Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2026-2027 school year.
Tuesday, July 20th - Friday, July 23rd in Sioux Falls, SD
Each day is scheduled from 8:30am-3:00pm
Body Works: Health Careers and Anatomy
Your body is an incredible high-tech machine made of cells, tissues, organs, and systems all working together. During this two-day experience, you’ll dive into real healthcare careers and get hands-on with the organs and systems those professionals work with every day. Participants will need parental/guardian permission to participate in dissection. The program is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will need to attend both days of this program, partial attendance will not be accepted.
Open to students in 9th and 10th grade in the 2026-2027 school year.
The first day of this program will be held at the Sanford USD Medical Center Campus, in Sioux Falls, SD. The second day will be held at Sanford Research, in Sioux Falls, SD.
Thursday, June 17th and Friday, June 18th
Thursday, July 8th and Friday, July 9th
Each day is scheduled from 8:30am-3:00pm
In the heart of Sanford Research’s laboratory lives a high-tech classroom space designed to accommodate up to 24 learners participating in a hands-on science experience. Our team of educators will personalize an experience to meet the content and ability requirements for your group. Public and private school classes, after-school programs, girl and boy scout clubs and others are invited.
Attend Teen Science Café
Teen Science Café is a free, fun way for teens to explore advances in science and technology affecting their lives. Teens and STEM experts engage in lively conversations and activities to explore a topic deeply. Teen Science Café brings together teens from all over the greater Sioux Falls region to learn from scientists in their community.
Open to grades 7-12
Most sessions are held at the Sanford Research Center from 5:30pm-7:00pm unless otherwise noted. Some events may offer a virtual option; however, hands‑on activities are available only for in‑person participants. Please note that dates may occasionally shift from the first Tuesday of the month based on speaker availability.
Upcoming events:
Date: Tuesday, November 3rd from 5:30pm-7:00pm
Topic: Imagine trying to remove a tangled knot from a web without breaking the web itself. That's the challenge scientists face with brain tumors. Dr. Grausam shows how researchers build models of brain tumors to uncover how these cancers survive, spread, and interact with the brain, helping scientists develop better treatments.
Title: How to grow a brain tumor
Speaker: Katie Grausam, PhD | Assistant Research Scientist at Sanford Research
Location: Sanford Research | 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD
Additional sessions for the 2026-2027 academic year:
December 1st, 2026
January 2nd, 2027
February 2nd, 2027
March 2nd, 2027
April 6th, 2027
Link to register: https://bit.ly/3UeiD88
Summer 2027 Professional Development
Beyond the Textbook: Exploring the Science of Health, Stress, and the Brain
Course Overview:
The human body is an interconnected system in which genetics, biochemistry, brain function, physical health, and environmental factors influence overall well-being. Advances in biomedical research help scientists understand disease, develop treatments, and explain why individuals may respond differently to medications.
This two-day professional development experience will help educators explore the science connecting genetics, drug metabolism, brain health, mental health, and wellness. Participants will engage in hands-on biomedical activities, investigate how genetic variation influences medication processing, and learn from professionals working in biomedical research, substance-use prevention, and community wellness.
Teachers will also explore the roles of stress, genetics, and environmental factors in health and consider how these concepts can be translated into meaningful classroom experiences. Through scientific investigations, professional discussions, and collaborative lesson development, participants will build connections between current biomedical research and classroom instruction while gaining practical resources to support scientific literacy and student well-being.
Dates: Tuesday, June 15th and Wednesday, June 16th
Location: Sanford Research | 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD
This course will be capped at 24 educators.
$300 stipend available for those who attend both days.
1 graduate credit available through USD
Grant will support research of cell type plasticity in kidney function and disease
Marshfield Clinic Research Institute expands study into North Dakota
Tue 11/03/26 5:30 PM
- Tue 11/03/26 7:00 PM
Sanford Research Center
Thu 11/12/26 5:30 PM
- Thu 11/12/26 6:30 PM
Sanford Research Center