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. 

The symposium is open to all UO and Oregon community college 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).

Individual and group presentations–poster, oral, creative works, and data story presentations–are welcome. The abstract submission allows teams to register multiple authors/presenters. 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 traditional poster and oral presentations.  

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 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.

No.  Undergraduates may present up to two terms after their graduation.

Yes. Please review additional submission details once they become available.  For example, many students present both poster and oral presentations in separate sessions.

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) offers abstract writing workshops through winter term and the weeks leading up to the Symposium. Please send questions to asure@uoregon.edu.

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. However, there are award opportunities based on self-nominations.

That symposium is free and open to the public, so feel free to invite any friends, family, and mentors to come view your presentation.

Yes, there are numerous awards for presenters in many different categories. Please review the award descriptions and eligibility requirements on this website.

Yes. We welcome volunteers to moderate sessions and be involved in other ways. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this brief sign up form. Questions can be directed to ugresearch@uoregon.edu.

Our goal is to  ensure all students are able to participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium, There are microphones used in all presentation rooms. All presentation spaces are accessible by wheelchair. An ASL interpreter can be provided upon request. Multiple engagement options are available to presenters (different presentation formats, session types). If you would like information regarding a specific accommodation or request, please contact ugresearch@uoregon.edu and we can work to see how we might be able to accommodate other needs.