The end of the fall semester is finally here! Congratulations to all of our undergraduate researchers and faculty mentors for another incredible semester of research at the University of Utah. Now that fall semester is over, it's time to gear up for spring... and even SUMMER! Read below about some OUR spring events as well as information on applying for the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) by the end of January.  

Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR)

Student applications for SPUR 2026 are now open!  SPUR is a nationally competitive opportunity that gives undergraduates hands-on research experience across all disciplines from the arts to engineering— and everything in between. Students collaborate, learn, and get paid while building their resume and academic network. Don’t miss this chance, apply to SPUR!

Applications are due January 25.

See below for application workshop information.

Need Help Applying for SPUR?

January 13, 1:00-2:30pm, Virtual 

Since 2015, the Office has funded students to conduct research with faculty through the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR). Attend this workshop to receive support on applying SPUR. Attendees are invited to bring draft application materials or their ideas for application materials. 

Virtual Fall Symposium

Have you checked out the incredible research presentations from the Virtual Undergraduate Research Fall Symposium yet? This symposium includes 55 undergraduates who presented their research in a variety of fields and disciplines from the creative and performing arts, humanities, health and medicine, STEM, and social sciences.

Click here to view presentations

Check out the 80+ virtual education series where we provide content that supports learning about research beyond the classroom. They cover a range of topics from mentoring, to ethics, to citational practices, and presenting research.

Click here to see the wide range of content and a peak of some of the presentations taking place next semester. 

Want OUR to come present to your class this spring?

Faculty, as you're planning your upcoming semester classes, consider having OUR come to tell your students about getting involved in research!

Click here to request a presentation

Seniors are eligible to apply for the Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.  If selected, fellows will work as research assistants to Carnegie’s senior scholars.

If you would like to learn more about the program or how to apply, contact Alison Shimko, Associate Director for the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (ONSC).  Students MUST apply via ONCS.

Drop in with your questions about applying for funds, research opportunities, and how to get started any Friday during Spring Semester, 1:00-3:00pm via Zoom or in person at 005 Sill Center starting January 16.

Join us every other Wednesday, 10:00am-11:30am via Zoom or 2130N Marriott Library.  Click here for the dates and to sign up. For Spring Semester it will take place on Wednesdays, 10:30am-12:00 pm starting January 7.

If you have questions about research opportunities, funding, or any of OURs programs make a research advising appointment with the link below.