Undergraduate Research Small Grant

Applications will be considered on a first-come, first served basis and may not be guaranteed.

CURE Undergraduate Research Small Grant
The CURE Undergraduate Research Small Grant offers up to $500 to support research-related expenses. This includes costs for materials, supplies, minor equipment (which must remain at UO), processing fees, and travel to research sites (e.g., field locations, archives or special collections). Open to undergraduate students in all fields of study, this  award is intended for specific project-related expenses and is awarded only once during a student's undergraduate career at UO. NOTE: Travel to academic conferences is not covered by the Small Grant and is available through the CURE Conference Travel Award. 
 

Eligibility Criteria 
To qualify for the you must meet the following:

  • Open to all UO undergraduate students regardless of immigration or FAFSA status
  • Be a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Oregon, in good academic standing, and enrolled in a degree-granting program
  • Be enrolled during the term you apply for the grant
  • The funds must be used for research-related expenses that are not due to negligence or lack of planning. Examples of eligible expenses include:
    • materials, supplies or minor equipment (equipment must remain at UO)
    • processing fees or costs for using research tools (like MRI or SuperComputer time)
    • unanticipated travel costs directly related to research (such as fieldwork, archives, or special collections)

NOTE: This award is for current students only. Graduating seniors are not eligible for post-graduation funding. Preference provided to undergraduate students enrolled for the full academic year.

Terms of Grant Support
A small grant is provided to assist with costs associated with the research, helping to cover expenses that ensure projects can be completed effectively. This funding supports undergraduate research students in managing unanticipated costs related to research and experiential learning. It can serve as supplemental funding for existing awards. Examples of appropriate funding requests:

  • Unexpected cost increases related to research or associated with research-related experiential learning opportunity.
  • Unanticipated travel cost directly related to research project.
  • Supplemental support for students who are not eligible for federal funding resources.
  • As an additional source of funding to other research awards to fulfill the budget need to conduct or complete research

IMPORTANT: If you are receiving federal financial aid, this award may affect your financial aid eligibility.  Students who receive federal aid have a responsibility to report all awards earned to the UO Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information.

How To Apply
Submissions will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Required Submissions:

  1. Applicant and faculty mentor information- include full names and UO email addresses
  2. Two Written Statements (saved as a PDF entitled FirstName_LastName and include your full name and project title within the document header
    • Project Funding Proposal (1 page max)
      • Introduction and goals - Briefly describe your project's purpose, goals, or objectives and explain why this research is important within your field of study.
      • Method and Timeline- Summarize your approach, methodology, and expected timeline for completing the project.
      • Budget Justification- Clearly explain how the award funds will be used, including specific research-related expenses.
      • Anticipated Outcomes- Define what success looks like for your project - what do you hope to accomplish.
      • Citation and References - Include 2 to 3 citations (not counted in the page limit)
  3. Academic Path and Research Journey Statement (250-300 words)
    • The CURE review committee is interested in understanding your personal and academic journey. Please describe an experience where you faced adversity, which helped shape you as a person, thinker, researcher, or advocate. This could include challenges such as structural or institutional barriers, moral dilemmas, interpersonal issues, or personal hardships. Please only share what you are comfortable conveying to the committee. Applications materials are confidential and will not be shared outside the committee. (250-300 words).

Requirements and Award Disbursement

  • Award funds are disbursed through the faculty mentor's academic department (and not directly to you).
  • A brief post-experience reflection survey is required a the end of the project's completion or by the end of the academic year
  • Present research progress or results at the Undergraduate Research Symposium in May.
  • Recipients may be asked to participate in related CURE events (e.g. workshops, presentations) to share your experience.
  • Funds must be used during the academic year they are awarded
  • Research involving human subjects must follow IRB guidelines; documentation may be required.

Acknowledgement

  • Acknowledge CURE (Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement) in all work resulting from the research.
  • Notify CURE (urds@uoregon.edu) of any publication or conference presentation that is associated with your research project

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