Undergraduate Research at Illinois

10/23/2026

Do you or an Illinois undergraduate you know do cancer-related research? The Maleiha Carino Foundation Scholarship for Cancer Research Advancement recognizes outstanding contributions made by undergraduate researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the field of cancer research. This encompasses various aspects of cancer research, including basic, translational, clinical, and social/cultural dimensions.

In addition to a financial award of $1,000, recipients will also gain access to a network of researchers, clinicians, and professionals affiliated with the Maleiha Carino Foundation. Through this unique connection, recipients will receive valuable career guidance and academic support, fostering their growth as aspiring researchers and furthering their exploration of future endeavors.

This scholarship honors the legacy of Maleiha Carino, a Filipino-American who tragically passed away from pediatric cancer in 2014 and is generously supported by the Maleiha Carino Foundation. We hope this financial support and recognition will provide the selected students an opportunity to advance their research endeavors and support their academic success.

Eligibility:
Open to all undergraduate students in good academic standing at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who have a demonstrated passion for cancer research. Students from diverse academic backgrounds, including but not limited to, biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, psychology, sociology, and healthcare-related fields, are encouraged to apply. Ongoing or completed research in some area of cancer research (including basic, translational, clinical, and social/cultural dimensions).

How to apply:
Students have the option to nominate themselves or be nominated by a member of the Illinois staff.

To learn more and to apply visit go.illinois.edu/mcf or visit the link in our bio.
The deadline for all application materials, including letters of recommendation, is February 1, 2027, at 11:59pm.

The Maleiha Carino Foundation Scholarship for Cancer Research Advancement recognizes outstanding contributions made by undergraduate researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the field of cancer research. This encompasses various aspects of cancer research, including basic, tr...

10/22/2026

We are thrilled to invite you to to the annual Undergraduate Research Showcase at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Showcase highlights the remarkable achievements of our student scholars, with projects spanning biology, health, engineering, education, the humanities, the arts, and everything in between.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the diverse and innovative research being conducted by Illinois undergraduates, to hear directly from 15 of our outstanding student presenters, and to engage with staff from the Office of Undergraduate Research and New Student & Family Experiences.

Your participation helps make this celebration a success, and we look forward to welcoming you and your family. Registration is preferred, but not required. Refreshments will be served.

Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 PM (CDT)
Location: Illini Union, Room 104, 1401 W. Green Street, Urbana IL, 61801
This event is sponsored by New Student & Family Experiences and the Office of Undergraduate Research.

To learn more and register for this event, visit go.illinois.edu/showcase-reg26 or visit the link in our bio.

10/19/2026

The First-Gen Scholars Research Program (FGSRP) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers first-generation college students eligible for federal work-study the opportunity to participate in meaningful and high-impact research. The FGSRP allows students to explore the culture and process of research and gain hands-on experience while building on their existing abilities within a supportive community of scholars.

Beyond the research experience with their faculty research mentor, FGSRP participants will regularly meet with fellow students and program administrators to develop a sense of community, share experiences, and enhance their professional skills.

Students accepted into the program will work 10 hours per week (with a flexible schedule arranged in consultation with their assigned research mentor) and will earn $17 per hour.

Want to learn more? An info session will be held on October 22 at 1:00 - 2:00. Registration required to attend. Reserve your spot at go.illinois.edu/FGSRP

10/17/2026

Psychology research opportunity!🧠🌟

Parkland–Illinois Network for Nurturing Academic Collaborations & Learning Excellence (PINNACLE) Program

The PINNACLE program supports Parkland and Illinois students who will be enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Spring 2027 and offers (1) PSYC 296 (Introduction to Online Psychology Research), Spring 2027 and (2) Support in applying to research lab in Illinois Psychology Department for Fall 2027.

Fifteen students who will be enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Spring 2027 will be selected based on an application process. This program is primarily intended for psychology majors/minors at Illinois. However, all applications will be considered and everyone interested in conducting psychological research is encouraged to apply. Students will be informed of whether they have been selected for the program by 10/30/26 at the latest.

The application deadline is 10/26/26 at 5pm
To learn more and apply visit go.illinois.edu/PINNACLE_2027
Questions about the program can be directed to [email protected]

10/09/2026

Biomedical Summer Research Opportunity! ☀️⚕️

The Mayo Clinic Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) is a full-time, 10-week summer program that immerses undergraduates in biomedical research at Mayo Clinic. Working approximately 40 hours per week, participants join laboratories or translational science teams, receive mentorship from Mayo Clinic researchers and physicians, take part in research and program activities, and prepare and present a research poster.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign sophomores and juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to apply for Illinois pre-selection, with preference given to students seriously considering biomedical research careers, particularly a PhD or MD-PhD. Students from all majors may apply, and prior research experience is not required.

The 2027 program runs May 25-July 30 and does not offer academic credit. Up to six Illinois students will receive a $7,000 award to help cover living expenses during the program. Students must submit the online application form, personal statement, transcript or web academic history, and two letters of recommendation by Nov. 1.

For more information and to apply, visit mayoillinois.org/education-training/summer-undergraduate-research-fellowship

Questions may be directed to [email protected].

10/06/2026

Did you know the University of Illinois Office of Undergraduate Research curates a list of undergraduate research summer opportunities? To see more summer opportunities across many research areas visit go.illinois.edu/SUROD (or visit the link in our bio).

Today we are highlighting the Vanderbilt-Excellence in Cancer Research, Education, and Leadership (V-EXCEL) Program☀️🩺

The V-EXCEL Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is a paid 10-week competitive summer research and mentorship experience for undergraduate students in Nashville, Tennessee. V-EXCEL interns participate in mentored basic, clinical/translational, and/or population science cancer research, cancer education, professional development, and community outreach activities. The overall program activities are individually tailored to meet the needs of each V-EXCEL intern.

Applications due by Dec 1. For more information and to start your application visit vicc.org/research/programs/vexcel.

10/06/2026

Mentoring Up: Advocating for Yourself in Research Workshop

Looking to better express your goals and expectations with a research mentor? Feeling unsure about research or just looking for advice? Join us to discuss strategies to enhance mentor/mentee communication, combat imposter syndrome, and advocate for yourself in research.

Thursday, October 15, 2026
3:00pm - 4:30pm

Register at libcal.library.illinois.edu/event/17334441

For a full list of our workshops, visit go.illinois.edu/OURworkshop

10/02/2026

The First-Gen Scholars Research Program (FGSRP) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers first-generation college students eligible for federal work-study the opportunity to participate in meaningful and high-impact research. We define first-generation student as “neither parent nor guardian have earned at least a bachelor degree”. The FGSRP allows students to explore the culture and process of research and gain hands-on experience while building on their existing abilities within a supportive community of scholars.

Beyond the research experience with their faculty research mentor, FGSRP participants will regularly meet with fellow students and program administrators to develop a sense of community, share experiences, and enhance their professional skills.

Students accepted into the program will work 10 hours per week (with a flexible schedule arranged in consultation with their assigned research mentor) and will earn $17 per hour.

As part of the application process, students will review a list of faculty-led projects and select their top two project choices. Following a brief selection process, successful candidates will begin their research experience with their assigned research mentor in January 2027.

Join our upcoming info session to learn more about the FGSRP, get step-by-step application guidance, and learn insider tips for a successful submission. The meeting takes place on October 22, 2026, from 1:00–2:00 PM CST in Illini Union, Room 103 (registration required).

For more program information, info session registration, and to apply, please visit go.illinois.edu/fgsrp or visit the link in our bio.

09/29/2026

🚨 DEADLINE EXTENDED 🚨

The Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program application will now be due on October 9 at 11:59PM!

We encourage students with no research experience to apply for this unique program that goes beyond a normal research experience. Learn about research through a hands-on experience with a one-on-one mentor and within a classroom with a cohort of peers. Together you will complete a research project to present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium in the spring. Take a look at the projects available! Your research topic does not need to be within your major.

To learn more and apply visit go.illinois.edu/URAP or visit the link in our bio.

09/25/2026

Calling all exploratory studies students!

The Division of Exploratory Studies I-Explore Week is next week, Sep 28 – Oct 2!! For a full list of events visit explore.illinois.edu/i-explore-week.

The Office of Undergraduate Research is excited to host a panel with the Illinois Undergraduate Research Ambassadors! Curious about how research might fit into your journey at Illinois? Want to learn about how you can get involved in research that reflects your interests? Join us to hear real student experiences and advice, learn about resources available to you, and ask all of your research-related questions to a panel of experienced undergraduate researchers.
Wednesday, Sep 30 from 6:00 - 7:30, Main library room 66.