The UO Undergraduate Research Symposium celebrates the remarkable contributions our undergraduates make to research and other creative work in a wide range of disciplines. The symposium, co-chaired by Kevin Hatfield and Nadia Singh, aspires to engage undergraduates in the research mission of the University of Oregon by supporting the creation and dissemination of knowledge, while inspiring younger undergraduates to seek out research opportunities and removing barriers to interdisciplinary education and discourse.

The event enables undergraduates to share their ideas, discoveries, and artistic expression with the campus and local community. Undergraduate participants are invited to select their preferred style of presentation to best accommodate their projects.

The Symposium debuted in 2011 with 69 presenters and 40 faculty mentors spanning 20 majors and four colleges, and has hosted over 2,500 students during its first ten years.

In response to the pandemic we proceeded with a virtual format, and despite the profound disruptions to research and creative work experienced by students and faculty over the past year, we are inspired to celebrate the work of 287 presenters and their 240 faculty mentors at the 2021 Symposium through 329 presentations across all eight colleges, 63 majors, 20 minor programs, 37 minors, and 15 institutes and centers.

The reach of the Symposium continues to expand through the remote platform, creating new avenues for engagement with families, friends, alumni, donors, high school students and teachers, and community members who have traditionally been unable to participate in the on-campus event. 

The opportunity to record the students’ presentations has also enabled us to develop a permanent digital exhibit of undergraduate research and creative work on our Symposium YouTube Channel, which hosts nearly 180 videos comprising over 400 presentations—an inventory that will grow with the addition of the 2021 presentations. 

Visitors may explore the Channel’s content by keyword searching or perusing thematic playlists.  Videos include the presenters’ abstracts and links to the full-resolution images of research posters. 

The Undergraduate Research Symposium is sponsored by the Division of Undergraduate Education and Student Success, the Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE), the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, University Housing, the Robert D. Clark Honors College, the UO Libraries, and the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program.

We are also honored to partners with the 23 departmental sponsors of the 64 presentation awards totaling approximately $16,000 for this year. 

Questions? Please email ugresearch@uoregon.edu. For information from peers about research and how to get involved, please email ASURE at asure@uoregon.edu. 

Undergraduate Research Symposium Co-Chairs Kevin Hatfield and Nadia Singh. 

Undergraduate Research Symposium Planning Committee