FYRE, SURF & SURF-H Application Details

All academic research endeavors are supported by CURE. The proposal serves as a "blueprint" for the research you intend to do. The purpose of the proposal should explain why the research topic should be investigated, the methods and procedures used, as well as your role within the project.

• Completion of application form fields.
• Response to the following prompts, submitted as a single PDF document:
  • One-page maximum research project proposal.
  • One or two paragraph statement about your personal and intellectual growth reflection on the second page.
  • Please include headers to distinguish between prompts 1 and 2

You may preview an example of the document set-up for upload. You may also read the research project statement review rubric.

About You:
Duck ID# 
First Name 
Last Name 
UO Email 
Pronouns (if you’d like to share) 
To which gender identity do you most identify? 
Race and Ethnicity (select as many as apply) 

Your Academic Information:
Current GPA 
Anticipated Grad Month & Year 
Major (s) 
Are you a transfer student and currently in your first year at UO? If “yes” – enter institution name. 
We’re CUREious. Tell us how you learned about the CURE SURF award? 

Your UO Faculty Mentor and Research Work:
Faculty Mentor Name 
Faculty Mentor UO Email Address 
Academic Department Affiliation 
Provide your anticipated research dates (this can be an estimate, for now) 
Is the applicant receiving (or will receive) funds to support this project from another UO resource? This should not include a primary grant held by the PI (Primary Investigator), faculty mentor, research environment. If “yes” – enter funding resource (s) and amount (s) of funding. 
Research Project Title

Document Upload (PDF format only):
The single document upload should contain several pages. Please review an example set-up document: 

1. one-page research statement and optional citation page; and
2. one to two paragraph academic path and research journey statement
3. Ensure that your name and project title, as well as Faculty Mentor name is noted within the header
4. Please include the information below, at the top of your document
   1. Your Name
   2. Mentor’s Name
   3. Project Title
5. Save the document file with the following naming convention: FirstName_LastName

Final step is the click SUBMIT to complete your application

A one-page (maximum) proposal statement that includes the following sections and details:

• Introduction (also referred to as an abstract)- The introduction functions as both a synopsis of your overall idea and includes hypothesis/thesis/purpose of study or creative work that addresses the central research question. For art and creative work proposals this can focus on the subject matter and relationship between your concept and material/medium. A strong introduction defines the subject or problem, explains why it is important to research, and outlines your plan of action. Make your proposal engaging and concise, as it can set the tone for the entire document.
  • You might consider writing the introduction once you have completed most of the proposal, as it may be much simpler to summarize a document once you have provided the details needed.
• How do you intend to proceed? Methods, approach, or medium that will be used to conduct research or creative work. What are the procedures or techniques used to identify, select, and examine the data/information? Art and creative work proposals can focus on your creative practice and methods.
  • Data and/or types of primary and secondary sources or anticipated findings. For art and creative work proposals, this can focus on medium and materials to be used or in use.
• Your planned role and responsibilities within this project, and research faculty mentor's role in guiding you.
  • This is an opportunity to clarify if you are participating or performing a particular role within a larger research/creative work project or if it is your own independent project (mentorship is assumed for all types of projects). Discuss the resources that are available to the applicant in support of this work. This is a key element as the review committee will be interested to know your role with the project.
    • For non-STEM proposals in the social sciences, humanities, and arts where the student is the primary researcher or content creator, they may simply state this.
• What are the anticipated discoveries or outcomes gained from this work, as well as any prospective contributions to knowledge and the academic field, the arts or performing arts?
  • How will the results of the project be shared and any publication plans? This can also be a space to clarify the engagement with communities for community-centered research and creative work projects and the ethics of return, respect, and reciprocity with community members/elders.
• Source citations/references may be a separate page (this is optional and may be in addition to one-page limit).
• You may include small figures and/or graphs (at a minimal) to further illustrate your statement (optional and must keep the submission within one page).

If your research involves human subjects, consult with your mentor to ensure that it meets human subject guidelines. An IRB approval or exemption documentation will be required if the applicant is selected as a recipient. 

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The CURE fellowships review committee is interested in learning about you, as an individual, and your educational and research journey. In one or two paragraphs, reflect on an experience, interest, or moment of growth that has shaped how you think, learn, create, or engage in academic or creative work. This may include a challenge or obstacle, but could also be a formative opportunity, responsibility, curiosity, or turning point in your educational journey. Describe what you learned from the experience, how it influenced your perspective or approach to inquiry, and how it connects to your goals as a researcher, scholar, artist, advocate, or engaged community member. Share what you are comfortable conveying. Application materials are confidential and will not be disseminated outside the committee. 

Formatting the Document
The content of your research proposal, including text, figures and images, should not exceed 1 page typed; 1 or 1.5 line spacing, 11 or 12-point standard font such as Times New Roman, Calibri or Arial. Source citations or references are optional and exclusive of the one-page statement limit. You may review an example set-up for the document.

Saving the File
Ensure that your name and project title, as well as Faculty Mentor name are printed within the header, and save the file with the following naming convention: FirstName_LastName

Faculty Recommendation Letter
A faculty recommendation letter is required, submitted through a separate portal, in support of your application. There is a letter of recommendation form for each award. Ensure that you forward the correct one to your faculty mentor. Please note that your application will not be reviewed until the letter of recommendation is received.  Applicants may refer to the URDS Letters of Recommendation Guide for guidance on how to request a letter of recommendation. The CURE team is also available to assist you.  Questions? Email urds@uoregon.edu

Click the appropriate button below to access the application form. Application and Recommendation Letter Deadline: March 12, 2026 (no later than 5:00 pm PST)

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