April 19-23

Undergraduate Research Week

Calling all curious minds! Join us for Undergraduate Research Week and discover the amazing projects and breakthroughs from our students.

Yearly Date

April 19

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the amazing achievements of undergraduate researchers during Undergraduate Research Week starting on April 19th! This week-long event was first established in 2010 by the Council on Undergraduate Research to recognize and promote the contributions of undergraduate students to scientific, scholarly, and creative communities. It's a time to showcase all the hard work and innovative ideas that these young minds have brought to various fields of study. From poster presentations to symposiums and conferences, there are countless opportunities for students to share their research and inspire others. So let's take a moment to applaud these future leaders in academia and beyond!

Undergraduate Research Week Timeline

1957

Rise of Undergraduate Research

The promotion of undergraduate research started to become more common in US universities due to the country's push for advanced science education.

1978

Council on Undergraduate Research

The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) was established to support and promote high-quality collaborative research between faculty and undergraduate students.

1989

Expansion of CUR

CUR expanded its disciplinary scope to include all areas of study, encouraging a breadth of undergraduate research opportunities.

1999

National Conference on Undergraduate Research

The first National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) takes place, showcasing undergraduate student research.

2010

First Undergraduate Research Week

The first Undergraduate Research Week was established by CUR, highlighting the valuable contributions of undergraduate students to research.

How to Celebrate Undergraduate Research Week

1 Attend a research presentation

Check out your school's schedule for Undergraduate Research Week and attend a presentation on a topic that interests you. Not only will you learn something new, but you'll also be supporting your fellow classmates.

2 Participate in a research workshop

Sign up for a research workshop hosted by your school's library or writing center. You'll learn valuable skills for conducting research and presenting your findings.

3 Share your own research project

Take this opportunity to share your own research project with your classmates and professors. You never know, your work may inspire others to pursue their own research interests.

4 Attend a networking event

Make connections with professionals and other students in your field by attending a networking event during Undergraduate Research Week. This could lead to future collaborations or job opportunities.

5 Create a research showcase

Gather a group of students to create a research showcase on campus. This could include posters, presentations, and demonstrations to showcase the variety of research being conducted by undergraduate students.

Why Undergraduate Research Week is Important

It promotes critical thinking and problem solving skills

Undergraduate research allows students to take an active role in their education by designing and carrying out experiments or projects. This hands-on experience helps develop important skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, which are crucial for success in any field.

It prepares students for graduate school or career opportunities

Participating in undergraduate research gives students a taste of what it's like to conduct research at a higher level. This can help them make informed decisions about pursuing further education or entering the workforce in a research-oriented field.

It fosters mentorship relationships

Undergraduate research often involves working closely with faculty members who serve as mentors. This provides valuable one-on-one guidance and support, helping students build strong relationships with professionals in their field and potentially leading to future collaborations or recommendations.