Undergraduate Research at Illinois

Undergraduate Research at Illinois The Office of Undergraduate Research at Illinois is committed to enhancing and expanding undergradua

To achieve its mission, OUR seeks to inspire students and faculty to collaborate on research projects driven by mutual interests by fostering a research mentoring environment that encourages and rewards collaboration. We also work to disseminate best practices and models for undergraduate research to campus stakeholders, assist in the development and evaluation of curricular and co-curricular stru

ctures that support undergraduate research, and
Encourage the creation of new opportunities for undergraduate research on campus,
Coordinate and nurture undergraduate research efforts across academic units on campus, and serve as a primary conduit for archiving and enhancing the awareness of undergraduate research efforts among campus stakeholders and external audiences.

Are you looking for your chance to break into undergraduate research at Illinois?The Undergraduate Research Apprenticesh...
09/04/2026

Are you looking for your chance to break into undergraduate research at Illinois?

The Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) offers undergraduate students with no prior research experience the opportunity to work with graduate students and post-doctoral scholars on their research projects, explore the culture and process of research, and build on their existing abilities within a community of scholars. Running each Spring semester, the undergraduate component of URAP consists of two equally important parts: a one-on-one research experience with their research mentor, and the Introduction to Research course. The course is designed to complement the research mentoring experience, orienting undergraduate mentees to broader topics in the research process.

Participation in URAP is by application only. Students selected to be part of URAP are expected to commit to: (1) attending the regular weekly class meetings of GC 295, Introduction to Research (3 credit hours) with Office of Undergraduate Research instructors; and (2) working one-on-one with their research mentors, an average of 5-6 hours per week. As part of the course requirement, students will complete a final project, consisting of a poster, to be presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, an annual event the last week of April.

For more information about URAP, including the list of research projects for this application cycle, please visit our website: go.illinois.edu/URAP

All applications must be completed and submitted by the application deadline: Monday, September 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Learn more about the program and get advice on how to apply at one of our information sessions (no registration required):
Tuesday, Sep 8: 4-450pm, 1092 Lincoln Hall
Monday, Sep 14: 3-350pm, 160 English Building

🌟We're hiring!! 🌟The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an...
08/31/2026

🌟We're hiring!! 🌟

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking an enthusiastic undergraduate student to serve as an in-person Intern for the Fall 2026 semester (with potential to extend into Spring 2027). This role serves as a support for the OUR staff, with a primary focus on maintaining and updating the Summer Opportunities Undergraduate Research Database (go.illinois.edu/SUROD) to ensure students have access to accurate, up-to-date research programs. Secondarily, the intern will help manage daily front desk operations and welcome students, faculty, and visitors.

Position Details
Location: In-person (Main Campus Office)
Hours: Part-time (Typically 10 hours per week, scheduled around classes)
Compensation: $16/hr (Federal Work-Study)

Key Responsibilities
Database Management & Expansion: Proactively research and identify new undergraduate research opportunities, write compelling listing text, and regularly audit existing listings to perform necessary updates, ensuring all database information remains accurate, complete, and timely.
Office & Front Desk Support: Serve as the primary point of contact for reception, greeting visitors, assisting peer students with navigating OUR resources, answering general email inquiries, and supporting staff with daily administrative tasks, event prep, and space organization.

Learn more & apply by September 13 at 6pm.
go.illinois.edu/OUR_Intern_2026

The August 2026 edition of the Undergraduate Research Insider, the official newsletter of the Office of Undergraduate Re...
08/26/2026

The August 2026 edition of the Undergraduate Research Insider, the official newsletter of the Office of Undergraduate Research, just hit subscribers' inboxes!

This month you'll get caught up on workshops and getting set up for one-on-one meeting with OUR research ambassadors. You can also check out where to find research talks across campus, research opportunities, grants, certificates and more!

Not yet subscribed? Make sure you see future editions of this newsletter: go.illinois.edu/subscribeOUR.

We've missed you, Illini! 🧡💙 The Office of Undergraduate Research is so excited to welcome everyone back to campus. We a...
08/17/2026

We've missed you, Illini! 🧡💙 The Office of Undergraduate Research is so excited to welcome everyone back to campus. We are ready to help you make this semester your most successful one yet through hands-on discovery.

Workshops kick off this week on Wednesday, August 19! We offer workshops for every stage of your journey, including The Basics of Research at Illinois, Getting Started in Research, Mentoring Up: Advocating for Yourself in Research, Securing Summer Research Opportunities, and Research to Resume.

To see a full schedule of Fall 2026 workshops, including description and sign up links, visit the news post on our updated website at undergradresearch.illinois.edu/fall-2026-workshops.

As summer winds down and you are looking ahead to the upcoming semester you may be thinking to yourself, "I want to get ...
08/10/2026

As summer winds down and you are looking ahead to the upcoming semester you may be thinking to yourself, "I want to get involved in research this year, but I don't know where to start!" The Office of Undergraduate Research has you covered! Join us for our free workshop, "Getting Started in Research". During this workshop, we will discuss the various forms of undergraduate research that take place on campus, guide you to develop a plan of action to locate research opportunities on campus, and discuss ways to contact faculty research mentors. You will leave the workshop with: a better understanding of undergraduate research and how it takes place on our campus, increased confidence to contact faculty research mentors, and a list of faculty mentors to contact.

Seats are limited & registration is required. Sign up today to reserve your spot at go.illinois.edu/OURWORKSHOP.

Workshop dates & times:
Wednesday, Aug. 26, 3:00-4:30pm
Friday, Aug. 28, 10:00-11:30am
Tuesday, Sep. 1, 3:00-4:30pm
Wednesday, Sep. 2, 1:00-2:30pm
Thursday, Sep. 3, 10:00-11:30am
Wednesday, Sep. 9, 3:00-4:30pm
Thursday, Sep. 10, 3:00-4:30pm
Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2:00-3:30pm
Monday, Oct. 5, 10:00-11:30am

The Fall 2026 semester is approaching quickly, Illini! Do you want to get involved in research at Illinois but don't kno...
08/10/2026

The Fall 2026 semester is approaching quickly, Illini! Do you want to get involved in research at Illinois but don't know where to get started? The Office of Undergraduate Research is hosting several "The Basics of Research at Illinois" workshops. Join us to address any concerns you may have about research, discuss how your interests are reflected in research around campus, and create a plan to get involved! Seats are limited & registration is required. Sign up today to reserve your spot at go.illinois.edu/OURWORKSHOP.

Workshop dates:
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 3:00-4:30pm
Thursday, Aug. 20, 10:00-11:30am
Saturday, Aug. 22, 10:00-11:30am
Monday, Aug. 24, 4:00-5:30pm
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 10:00-11:30am
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 3:00-4:30pm
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2:00-3:30pm
Monday, Aug. 31, 3:00-4:30pm
Friday, Sep. 4, 1:00-2:30pm

Recruiting Undergraduate Researchers for Fall 2026 or Spring/Summer 2027?ㅤThe Office of Undergraduate Research is gather...
08/03/2026

Recruiting Undergraduate Researchers for Fall 2026 or Spring/Summer 2027?
ㅤ
The Office of Undergraduate Research is gathering undergraduate research opportunities, either paid or for credit. Submit your position details to be featured on our social media channels, website blog, monthly newsletter, and/or Summer Opportunities Research Database. Help us connect your research group with qualified student candidates.
ㅤ
Submit your listing at go.illinois.edu/OUR_post_opportunity.

We are pleased to announce that our very own OUR Research Ambassador, Cliff Sun, has been named a member of the 2026 cla...
07/22/2026

We are pleased to announce that our very own OUR Research Ambassador, Cliff Sun, has been named a member of the 2026 class of Astronaut Scholars by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation! To learn more about Cliff and this incredible achievement, please visit physics.illinois.edu/news/cliff-sun-astronaut-scholar. 🚀🥳

Do you want some advice on getting into or furthering your research at Illinois? Starting August 24 you can book an appointment with Cliff or one of our other highly qualified Undergraduate Research Ambassadors at go.illinois.edu/meet_IURA.

🌟 Undergraduate Research Ambassador Spotlight! 🌟The celebration continues! Please join us in giving a massive round of a...
06/18/2026

🌟 Undergraduate Research Ambassador Spotlight! 🌟

The celebration continues! Please join us in giving a massive round of applause to another one of our phenomenal OUR Ambassadors, Rhea Dcosta, for achieving the ultimate undergraduate academic honor!

Rhea has been awarded Bronze Tablet University Honors—the highest distinction granted to undergraduates for academic excellence at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign! 🏆✨

The Bronze Tablet is a deeply rooted UIUC tradition dating back to 1925. To receive this honor, a student must rank within the top 3% of their entire graduating class. As a permanent tribute to her hard work, dedication, and research mindset, Rhea's name will be inscribed on a bronze tablet to be hung on the historic walls of the University Library.

Rhea, the entire Office of Undergraduate Research family is incredibly proud of your brilliance, your leadership, and this monumental achievement. We know this is just the beginning of a remarkable journey ahead! 🧡💙

🌟 Undergraduate Research Ambassador Spotlight! 🌟Let’s hear it for another phenomenal OUR Ambassador! We are incredibly p...
06/17/2026

🌟 Undergraduate Research Ambassador Spotlight! 🌟

Let’s hear it for another phenomenal OUR Ambassador! We are incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of recent graduate Arshiya Shah! 🎓✨

Arshiya’s undergraduate journey has been defined by impactful leadership, dedicated service, and deep, critical research. Check out her amazing honors:

🏆 Senior 100 Honorary
Arshiya was selected for the prestigious Senior 100, which recognizes 100 outstanding graduating seniors across the entire University of Illinois campus for their exceptional leadership, service, and campus involvement.

🔬 Jeremiah D. Sullivan Award for Undergraduate Research
Through the Program in Arms Control, Disarmament and International Security (ACDIS), Arshiya received this competitive fellowship funding to support her individual research.

The Focus: Her impactful research examined postcolonial border governance and transnational militancy—specifically exploring how colonial border artificiality, postcolonial governance failure, and regional dynamics shape patterns of terrorism across Africa, the Middle East, and South/Southeast Asia. 🌍🛡️

🥇 Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher
To wrap up an amazing journey, Arshiya also received the Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher certificate right here from the Office of Undergraduate Research!

Arshiya, your brilliant mind, global perspective, and dedication to campus leadership inspire us all. Thank you for being such a stellar representative of the undergraduate research community. We can't wait to see the global impact you continue to make! 💙🧡

Address

807 S Wright Street, 5th Floor, Illini Union Bookstore Bldg
Champaign, IL
61820

Telephone

+12173005453

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