In September 2002, the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation selected Clemson University as one of the academic institutions in the United States to host the first Summer Institute Program in 2003. The purpose of this high value program is to provide students majoring in the biological sciences, computer sciences, engineering, mathematics, and physical sciences with well planned interdisciplinary bioengineering or bioinformatics research and education experiences in very active 'Summer Institutes', thereby increasing the number of young people considering careers in bioengineering and bioinformatics at the graduate level and beyond.

Clemson Bioengineering hosted its first NASA REU from May to July 2008. Sponsored by the SC Space Grant Consortium, this program is designed to lead students to pursue a career in science/engineering especially. Clemson’s REU addresses some of the most critical biomedical problems related to the health of spaceflight mission specialists. This unique program integrates education, research, and professional development in the field of space biomedical research, and will prepare students for graduate programs in bioengineering.