Illinois Office of
Undergraduate Research

blog posts

• Maleiha Carino Foundation Scholarship for Cancer Research Advancement

  Oct 24, 2025 10:45 am

  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.

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  Students & Families, You're Invited! 2025 Undergraduate Research Showcase

  Oct 20, 2025 9:30 am

  We invite students and their families and friends to attend the Undergraduate Research Showcase and a guided tour of the Beckman Biomedical Imaging Center. Scheduled over Dads Weekend, this event celebrates the incredible undergraduate research happening across campus. An invited and featured cohort of students will present their research projects spanning science, engineering, humanities, and the arts. It’s a great opportunity to support your peers, explore diverse research topics, and connect with OUR staff and student researchers. For families, it is also a chance to see the outstanding research enterprise and types of opportunities that are available at Illinois. Light refreshments will be served. 

  See the full post for information on how to register for these events.

• Accepting Applications to First-Gen Scholars Research Program

  Sep 15, 2025 1:00 pm

  The First-Gen Scholars Research Program (FGSRP), now entering its second year, offers first-generation college students who are federal work-study eligible the opportunity to engage in paid, hands-on research with a faculty mentor while building skills, confidence, and community. Participants work 10 hours per week, earn $17/hour through Federal Work-Study, and take part in cohort activities that support their academic and professional growth.

  Applications for the 2025–26 cohort are due Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM.

  Learn more about the program, application requirements, and upcoming informational sessions on our website: go.illinois.edu/FGSRP.

• Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP @ UI) - Undergrad Applications

  Sep 8, 2025 7:00 am

  The application for URAP @ UI, our Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program, is now open. Deadline for applications is October 10, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

• Stay Connected with Undergraduate Research at Illinois

  Aug 22, 2025 9:00 am

  It is now easier than ever before to stay notified! Sign up for the Office of Undergraduate Research monthly email newsletter to receive occasional emails about research programs, events, opportunities, and helpful information for current and aspiring undergraduate researchers. Students are encouraged to sign up at: go.illinois.edu/subscribeOUR

• 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium Award Winners!

  May 20, 2025 9:15 am

  Congratulations to our 2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium award winners! 

• RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Saif Lab -- Cancer Mechanobiology

  May 2, 2025 1:45 pm

  Join Cutting-Edge Cancer Mechanobiology Research! 
   
  The Saif Lab is seeking a motivated and curious Undergraduate Research Assistant to join our lab for Summer 2025! 
   
  Our research focuses on Cancer Mechanobiology, a field that explores how mechanical forces and stiffnesses influence cancer progression and the microenvironment. We are developing high-throughput systems capable of performing multiple biological assays to accelerate drug discovery and viability assays. 

  This is a Summer 2025 opportunity for course credit.

  For more information and how to apply, please see the full description.
   
   

• RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: DIVISION OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES--Arabic Video & Survey Creation

  Apr 21, 2025 12:15 pm

  Arabic-speaking undergraduate students sought to join a research project focused on developing culturally tailored online content for a weight loss program. Students will help convert educational materials into short, engaging videos using PowerPoint or Canva, record audio in Arabic, and assist in building related surveys using REDCap (training provided). 
   
  This opportunity is available now through the summer, with the possibility of continuing into the fall. Students can earn 1 credit hour for their participation. The expected time commitment is around 1 hour per week. 
   
  For more information including how to apply, please see full description.

• RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: Gies Business Research Lab Undergrad RA's

  Apr 21, 2025 12:00 pm

  Gies Business Research Lab is seeking applications for Fall 2025 GBRL undergraduate research assistants (2-3 positions available): 
   
  This is a paid position and is in-person. Afternoon and early evening availability is required. Maximum of 10 hours per week. MUST be an undergraduate student. 
   
  For more information and how to apply, please see full description.

• Undergraduate Research Week 2025 Is Here!

  Apr 18, 2025 1:00 pm

  The 2025 Undergraduate Research Week is here, and the final program has been posted!

  The Undergraduate Research Week showcases the best of undergraduate research and creative inquiry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Campus events include special exhibits and colloquia sponsored by individual departments, programs, and units, highlighting the best of our students’ work. The Undergraduate Research Symposium (All day on Thursday, April 24 in the Illini Union) is URW’s day-long signature event where hundreds of students from all academic disciplines share their research through oral panels, poster presentations, and performances. We invite you to come be inspired!.

  You can find a link to the URW 2025 program here: http://undergradresearch.illinois.edu/researchweek.html

  Stay up-to-date on URW events by following us on X @ugresearch_UI,  Facebook @UGResearchIllinois, and Instagram @ugresearch_UI