Your research experience is not done once you have completed your project. An important aspect of research is sharing the results with your peers and the general public. Why would you want to share your research?
- First and foremost, you should be proud of your hard work and accomplishments and want to show off the results. With that said, sharing your research through publication further develops your writing skills and looks great on your academic and professional resume.
- Presenting the findings of your research and creative scholarship sharpens your communication skills and demonstrates that you have experience in public speaking.
- Gaining skills in both areas will help you advance academically and professionally.
Explore the following resources:
Publication Opportunities
Below you will find information about publications that accept undergraduate student submissions. Be sure to visit their websites to find out more detailed information about eligibility and submission criteria.
University of Oregon Undergraduate Research Journal
Website: http://ourj.uoregon.edu/
The Oregon Undergraduate Research Journal (OURJ) is an open-access, interdisciplinary journal at the University of Oregon. Since 2010, OURJ has been edited and produced by a student-run editorial board trained in peer review. The journal's biannual issues showcase some of the best peer-reviewed work by UO undergraduates across all disciplines, and submissions from all academic fields are encouraged.
Council on Undergraduate Research – Journal Listing
Website: http://www.cur.org/resources/students/undergraduate_journals/
Overview: The Council on Undergraduate Research provides a very large listing of journals that accept submissions from undergraduates. Please note that some of the journals are restricted to students from a specific institution, so read carefully.
Presentation Opportunities
Below you will find more information about presentation opportunities at the UO and beyond. For information about travel funding assistance, see our travel awards section.
University of Oregon Undergraduate Research Symposium
Website: http://undergradsymposium.uoregon.edu/
Overview: The UO Undergraduate Symposium celebrates the remarkable contributions our undergraduates make to research and other creative work in a wide range of disciplines. The Symposium enables undergraduates to share their ideas, discoveries, and artistic expression with the campus and local community. The Symposium invites students to select their preferred style of presentation to best accommodate their projects. Held in the EMU in the mode of an academic conference, the Symposium will include poster sessions, oral presentations and exhibition space for performing and fine arts.
NCUR (National Conference on Undergraduate Research)
Website: http://www.cur.org/ncur_2016/
Overview: The National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), established in 1987, 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 young scholars welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all corners of the academic curriculum. Through this annual conference, NCUR creates a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement, provides models of exemplary research and scholarship, and helps to improve the state of undergraduate education.
CUR Posters on the Hill
Website: http://www.cur.org/conferences_and_events/student_events/posters_on_the_hill/
Overview: Each Spring the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) hosts an annual undergraduate poster session on Capitol Hill. This event helps members of Congress understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students whom these programs impact.
Council on Undergraduate Research – Conference Listing
Website: http://www.cur.org/resources/students/presentation_opportunities/
Overview: The Council on Undergraduate Research provides a very large listing of presentation opportunities for undergraduate students. Please note that some of the conferences/events may be restricted to students from a specific institution, so read carefully.
Other Ways of Applying Your Research
When you are thinking about how to apply your research, there are two perspectives you can take:
- How can the outcomes and findings of your research be useful for the general public, a non-profit organization, the government, a private organization, or your community? This perspective requires that you begin to shift from viewing your research as a means of discovery to thinking about how your research can create change and value.
- What social good can come of your research?
- What entrepreneurial ideas can come from your research?
- Can your findings be useful regarding public policy? Can they help to create a fuller picture of an issue (e.g., healthcare, environmental).
- Can the results of your research improve the efficiency of effectiveness of an industrial or commercial process?
- Conducting research as an undergraduate student develops knowledge and skills that employers find increasingly valuable. It is important for you to take the time to translate your experience into tangible items such as personal gains in skills and abilities that you can put on your resume.
Begin this process by creating a list of the skills and abilities you have gained and then spend some time writing a complete description of how you gained them, citing examples wherever possible. Doing so will help you in being able to speak with potential employers and/or graduate schools about your qualifications.
UROP recommends that you actively speak with your peers, faculty mentor, adviser, or even the UROP staff, about applying your research. These conversations can often result in opportunities that you would never have even thought of. Get creative and be open to exploring many options.
Conference Travel Awards
CURE Travel Award
The Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement has funding resources to assist eligible students with up to $500 to attend a single conference or professional meeting to present scholarly and creative projects. Ten travel awards are given each year, five awards in Fall term (travel July 1st to December 31st) and five awards in Spring term (travel January 1st to June 30th).
Website: https://cure.uoregon.edu/award-funding/
CUR Psychology Division Travel Award
The CUR Psychology Division is offering a limited number of travel awards (up to $200 each) for undergraduate students presenting original psychological research results at a regional or national, discipline-specific meeting.
Website: https://www.cur.org/who/governance/divisions/psychology/travelawards/
CUR Biology Division Travel Award
The Biology Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is offering a limited number of travel grants, up to $250 each, for undergraduate students presenting original biological research results at a regional or national, discipline-specific meeting.
Website: https://www.cur.org/who/governance/divisions/biology/travelaward/
CUR Social Science Division Travel Award
The Social Sciences Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is offering a limited number of travel grants, up to $200 each, for undergraduate students presenting the results of research that they have conducted at a regional or national, discipline-specific meeting.
Website: https://www.cur.org/who/governance/divisions/socsci/travelawards/
CUR Arts & Humanities Division Travel Award
The Arts and Humanities Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CURAH) is pleased to announce the availability of travel awards for students who are presenting their research in fields of the arts and humanities at NCUR, Posters on the Hill (POH), and the Second World Congress.
Website: https://www.cur.org/who/governance/divisions/artshum/
CUR Physics & Astronomy Division Travel Award
The Physics and Astronomy Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is offering travel grants, up to $500 each, for undergraduate students presenting original research results at professional meetings.
Website: https://www.cur.org/who/governance/divisions/physastron/