November 14, 2025

What’s Happening at the Office of Undergraduate Research

 

Research Opportunities

Sociology Undergraduate Research Program | Deadline: November 16, 2025

Sociology Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a quarter-long program that gives current Sociology majors the opportunity to gain research experience and contribute to ongoing projects led by faculty and graduate students. Participating students will receive course credit (SOC 499) according to the number of hours worked, or for completing specific tasks. Projects offer between 2 and 5 credits. All SOC 499 credits are graded C/NC.

Cascadia Coastal Hazards and Resilience Training, Education and Research (CHARTER) Fellows Program | Deadline: November 28, 2025

The Cascadia Coastal Hazards and Resilience Training, Education and Research (CHARTER) Fellows program is recruiting up to 15 first to third year undergraduate students from any academic discipline for an exciting opportunity to be Fellows, starting Winter term 2026. The CHARTER Fellows program is part of the Cascadia Coastlines and Peoples Hazards (CoPes) Hub. Through this project, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Cascadia CoPes Hub will empower communities in the coastal areas to be more resilient and prepared to deal with the impact of natural hazards.

The Tulane Journal of Policy & Political Economy | Deadline: November 30, 2025

The Tulane Journal of Policy & Political Economy is an internationally recognized undergraduate publication of student research in politics, economics, public health, foreign affairs, and public policy. The journal is currently accepting article submissions for the fifth edition. Submissions should be original academic research papers written in or out of class, independent studies, and honors theses. Publishing your research is a great opportunity to improve your job market and graduate school candidacy while substantively contributing to the greater academic landscape.

UW Neuroscience Summer Student Program | Deadline: December 15, 2025

The UW Medicine Department of Neuroscience Summer Scholars Program provides “bench to bedside” exposure in the field of neurosciences. Established in 2008 by Richard G. Ellenbogen, MD, Professor and Chair of the UW Department of Neurological Surgery, the program provides students opportunities to explore basic and clinical neurosciences through laboratory research and clinical observation.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory Summer Program | Deadline: January 7, 2026

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is hosting a summer undergraduate program which offers full-time, paid research internships for STEM undergraduates and recent graduates. Interns spend 10–12 weeks on-site at ORNL, contributing to high-impact projects in fields like energy, computing, and biology. With mentorship, hands-on training, and professional development, this program is a powerful springboard into Department of Energy national lab careers.

Institute for Protein Design Undergraduate Summer Research Program | Deadline: January 11, 2026

The Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington is a world-leading research center focused on creating new proteins that solve modern challenges across medicine, technology, and sustainability. Here, interdisciplinary expertise converges — from computer science and biochemistry to clinical medicine and entrepreneurship. Current projects include the development of novel therapeutics for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and more, as well as new vaccines, nanomaterials, and enzymes. Students will receive a $3,200 stipend/month. 

American Heart Association Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences Summer Program at Boston University | Deadline: January 12, 2026

The American Heart Association Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (AHA SURE) Summer Program is an excellent way for undergraduate students to gain research experience under guided mentorship from experts in the field of cardiovascular and brain research at Boston University.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Summer Undergraduate Research Program | Deadline: January 16, 2026

The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is an intensive, nine-week internship for undergraduates entering the summer before their final year, semester, or quarter of study. It’s designed to provide research experience and mentorship for students interested in biomedical research. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, interns will complete an independent research project and present their findings at a competitive poster session.

MIT Summer Research Program | Deadline: January 20, 2025

The MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP) offers a fully funded 9-week research experience at MIT for undergraduates considering graduate school. Participants conduct cutting-edge research, receive mentorship, attend professional development workshops, and build lasting connections.

Summer Program for Undergraduate Research at University of Utah | Deadline: January 25, 2026

The Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) provides undergraduate students with an intensive, paid 10-week summer research experience under the mentorship of a University of Utah faculty member. The program provides opportunities to gain research experience in a variety of disciplines.

Los Alamos National Laboratory Internships | Deadline: Varies by position

Los Alamos National Laboratory invites undergraduates to engage in impactful research through paid internships and collaborative programs. Students work alongside top scientists on national security, energy, and health challenges while gaining mentorship and professional development.

 

Events & Conferences

Duke National Health Research Conference | Priority Deadline: November 17, 2025

The Duke National Health Research Conference is a national platform for undergraduates and recent college graduates to present and engage in discussions surrounding health-related research across various disciplines, while fostering meaningful networking among peers from universities across the country. The Duke National Health Research Conference will be held on February 21, 2026, at Duke University in Durham, NC.

Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium | Abstract Deadline: December 1, 2025

The Richard Macksey National Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium, inaugurated in 2020, is an annual symposium hosted by Johns Hopkins University to provide a national platform for undergraduates in the humanities to share their work. This conference brings together students across all fields in the humanities to present their work to a national audience. The 2026 Macksey Symposium will be held from March 19-21, 2026, on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus in Baltimore, MD.

Free Webinar: Explore the Basal Ganglia with Open-Access Visualization Tools | Date: December 2, 2025

Join the Human and Mammalian Brain Atlas (HMBA) Consortium for a free webinar showcasing recent advances on mapping the structural, cellular, and molecular architecture of the basal ganglia, structures involved in motor control, cognition and reward, and affected in a range of motor, addictive and psychiatric disorders. Attendees will also learn how to apply open-access visualization tools to their research. Register here to attend.

National Conference on Undergraduate Research | Abstract Deadline: December 5, 2025

The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in all fields of study by sponsoring an annual conference for students. Unlike meetings of academic professional organizations, this gathering of student scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines. NCUR will take place April 13-15, 2026, in Richmond, VA.

Yale Undergraduate Research Conference | Priority Deadline: January 1, 2026

The Yale Undergraduate Research Conference (YURC) invites undergraduates to present original research across all disciplines. As the nation’s largest student-run research conference, YURC fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence. The conference will take place February 20–22, 2026, at Yale University in New Haven, CT.

West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference | Registration Deadline: March 1, 2026

The West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference (WCBSURC) is one of the nation’s longest-running intercollegiate undergraduate research conferences in the biological sciences. This one-day event offers students the opportunity to present original research, engage with peers and faculty, and explore a full schedule of talks and poster sessions.  The conference will take place April 11, 2026, at Sonoma State University, Sonoma County, California.

 

Scholarships & Fellowships to Support Research

Harry S. Truman Scholarship | UW Deadline: November 17, 2025

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, the federal memorial to our thirty-third President, awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government.

The Lafayette Fellowship | Deadline: November 30, 2025

The Lafayette Fellowship is a fully funded graduate scholarship for American students to pursue master ‘s-level studies in France. The fellowship was created by the French Embassy in the U.S. to celebrate 250 years of French-American friendship and aims to foster a new generation of transatlantic leaders. Supports up to 30 American students interested in addressing global challenges within a French-American context. There is no French language requirement for the Fellowship (unless your academic program is taught partially or entirely in French).

Ellison Institute of Technology | First deadline: December 1, 2025; Final Deadline: February 1, 2026

Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) provides fully-funded doctoral (DPhil/PhD) study at the University of Oxford, where students directly contribute to progressing an EIT project to solve some of humanity’s most enduring challenges.

Carnegie Endowment Gaither Junior Fellowship | UW Deadline: December 4, 2025

Each year the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace offers approximately 15 one-year Gaither Junior Fellowships to uniquely qualified graduating seniors (in 2025-26) and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year (2024-25). Gaither Junior Fellows work as research assistants to the Endowment’s senior associates on various international affairs topics and have the opportunity to conduct research for books, co-author journal articles and policy papers, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, journalists and government officials.

Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) | UW Deadline: January 15, 2026

Established in 1991, the Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE CSGF) provides outstanding financial benefits and professional development opportunities to students pursuing doctoral degrees in fields that use high-performance computing to solve complex science and engineering problems. The program fosters a community of energetic and committed Ph.D. students, alumni, DOE laboratory staff, and other scientists who want to have an impact on the nation while advancing their research. Fellows come from diverse scientific and engineering disciplines but share a common interest in using computing in their research.

Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship | UW Deadline: January 15, 2026

Each year, the Udall Foundation anticipates awarding fifty-five scholarships of up to $7,000 each to sophomore and junior level college students committed to careers related to the environment, tribal policy, or Native American health care. Morris K. and Stewart L. Udall Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship applicants must be nominated by UW. 

The Beinecke Scholarship | UW Deadline: January 30, 2026

The Beinecke Scholarship seeks to encourage and enable highly motivated students to pursue graduate study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, and to be courageous in their selection of graduate programs. The scholarship provides $35,000 for a research-focused master’s or doctoral program in the arts, humanities, or social sciences to juniors (based on graduation date) who have financial need.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Deadline: Varies by program

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master programs are offered by multiple higher education institutions across various EU countries. Most master’s program applications are due between October and January for courses commencing the following academic year. Fully funded scholarship opportunities are available.

 

Tools & Resources

Winter 2026 Course: GRDSCH 200 – Preparing for Graduate Education

GRDSCH 200 offers an overview of the structure and organization of graduate education and focuses on helping students learn the skills to find resources, build a network, and make decisions about continuing their studies beyond the baccalaureate. This 10-week course is for UW juniors and seniors who will be reflecting on their next educational journey. Open to all majors and disciplines.

Nationwide Biomedical Research Internships for Undergraduates

Looking for hands-on experience in biomedical research? The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center has compiled a catalog featuring approximately 280 internships nationwide, including a wide range of opportunities for undergraduate students.

Researchers in Community Invitation (RiC)

Researchers in Community (RiC) is a cross-disciplinary group of students, staff, and faculty committed to ethical, community-engaged research. During regular meetings, the group explores collaborative practices, challenges, and ethics in working with community partners. All are welcome to join and contribute to the conversation. RiC meets every Monday, 10 – 11:30 AM at Mary Gates Hall 015. You can also sign up for the RiC mailing list here.

CSDE Computing Services for Undergraduates

The Center for Studies in Demography & Ecology (CSDE) offers 24/7 remote access to high-performance computing, which is free for UW students. Whether you are in Public Health, Engineering, Anthropology, or beyond, CSDE’s systems support research across disciplines with licensed software, secure storage, and help desk support. Work from anywhere via VPN and access your files and tools instantly. Questions? Contact Matt Weatherford at mbw@uw.edu.

Global Funding Opportunities

Looking for funded global opportunities to do research? The Office of Global Affairs has launched a new resource listing funded international opportunities available to the UW community. The list is updated regularly as new opportunities arise.

UW Libraries Undergraduate Researcher Tutorial Topic: Critical AI Literacy

A new topic has been added to the UW Libraries Undergraduate Researcher Tutorial: Critical AI Literacy. This tutorial topic supports students in critically reflecting on AI in personal, research and academic contexts, and investigates several guiding principles for developing AI Literacy. The Undergraduate Researcher Tutorial empowers UW students to be co-creators of their own learning experiences and is designed for all levels of student research expertise. Relevant AI information has also been added to all tutorial topics.

 

Additional Resources for Students

UW Counseling Center Fall 2025 Workshops

The UW Counseling Center is offering workshops that provide a valuable opportunity for students to strengthen their emotional resilience and interpersonal skills, which are essential for navigating academic and research-focused environments. Each workshop is tailored to address specific needs, whether it’s improving mental health awareness, enhancing communication, or building resilience. 

UW Food Pantry

UW Food Pantry provides food to students, staff, and faculty who may be experiencing short-term food insecurity. Visitors are welcome to shop in person once per week and receive 2–3 days’ worth of food. At no cost to visitors, UW Food Pantry provides shelf-stable products, UW Farm organic produce, ready-to-eat items from campus dining locations, and hygiene products. The pantry is located in 210 Poplar Hall.  Check their website for updated hours.