What is the Undergraduate Research Symposium?
The University of Oregon Undergraduate Research Symposium celebrates the remarkable contributions our undergraduates make to research and other creative work in a wide range of academic disciplines.
The symposium 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 symposium enables students to share their ideas, discoveries, and artistic expression with the campus and local community. The symposium invites students to select their preferred style of presentation to best accommodate their projects. Held in the EMU in the mode of an academic conference, the symposium will include poster sessions, oral presentations, data stories and exhibition space for performing and fine arts.
The Undergraduate Research Symposium debuted in 2011 with 69 presenters and 40 faculty mentors spanning 20 majors and four colleges, and in its eighth year grew to 392 presenters and 260 faculty mentors spanning 71 majors, 13 minors and eight colleges. Over the past eight years the Symposium has hosted nearly 1600 student presenters.
Who participates in the symposium?
The symposium is open to all UO and Lane Community College (LCC) undergraduate students from across the disciplines and colleges who are presenting individual or collaborative research, creative work, or scholarship as part of course, thesis, minor/major, study abroad program or independent study overseen by a faculty mentor. The symposium is also an ideal venue for students of the performing and fine arts to share their work with a larger audience. Faculty mentors are encouraged to nominate their students to participate in symposium.
The symposium also encourages participation by student participating in First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) and Academic Residential Communities (ARCs).
What kind of research, projects or works are accepted?
Individual and group presentations–poster, oral, and creative works–are welcome. The abstract submission allows teams to register multiple authors/presenters. For more detailed information on the types of presentations. Past presentation formats have included art installations; film screenings; science demonstrations; live dance, musical, and voice performances; poetry slams; live essay readings; and panel discussions in addition to poster and oral presentations.
Can I present ongoing research?
Yes. Posters, data stories, and talks can be presented at almost any stage of a research project, and are an excellent way to get feedback on work “in-progress.” Typically, students who have been doing conducting research for at least two terms are well positioned to present, or those who have a course-based research project or creative work. You are encouraged to discuss your research progress with your faculty and research mentors; they should assist you in the abstract writing process. See examples of abstracts.
Does my research have to be current (i.e. conducted this year)?
No. Undergraduates may present up to two terms after their graduation.
Can I submit multiple research projects?
Yes. Please review additional submission details within the Apply section of the Undergraduate Research Symposium website. For example, many students present both poster and oral presentations in separate sessions.
I have a question about writing/creating/formatting an abstract/presentation/poster.
There are a lot of helpful tips and tricks (abstract writing, creating a poster, preparing for the presentation) on this website.
ASURE (Associated Students for Undergraduate Research) is offering abstract writing workshops through winter term and the weeks leading up to the Symposium. A listing can be found within the “Events and Deadlines” section of the Symposium website. Please send questions to asure@uoregon.edu.
Is the symposium competitive?
The symposium is inclusive and, as a whole, is not competitive. It offers an opportunity for undergraduates to come together and share their research with others in a supportive and respectful environment.
Who can attend the symposium?
That symposium is free and open to the public, so feel free to invite any friends, family, and mentors to come view your presentation.
Are there awards for Symposium presenters?
Yes, there are numerous awards for presenters in many different categories. Please review the award descriptions and eligibility requirements on this website.
Can I volunteer at the symposium?
Yes. If you are interested in volunteering, please submit this form: https://oregon.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6ru94wYgLL4NNNs
Still have questions?
Please email ugresearch@uoregon.edu