Academic Research

Undergrad Research at the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is one of the most well-known and respected research intensive post-secondary institutions in the country. Your SU believes that it’s important to not only recognize this status but to provide access to resources and opportunities for undergraduates to get involved.

SOME TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

  • Check out your peer research projects and ask them how they got involved with their project. Meet some of your fellow undergraduates that taken the opportunity to get involved in the research program.
  • Look into doing a study abroad research program, studentship, research competition or honour thesis paper.
  • Check out our Research Resources and Opportunities page.
  • Go to the Vice President [Research] website for more research opportunities at www.ucalgary.ca/vpr/research/undergradresearch.
  • Do some background work on the researcher and research you are interested in.
  • If you’re interested in working with a professor at the University, send them an email. In the email:
    • Let them know what you are interested in and how you can help them with their research
    • Provide some brief information about yourself
    • Attach a resume and cover letter
    • Offer to provide them with further information such as transcripts
  • Don’t get discouraged! You may have to contact several researchers and go in for a few interviews before obtaining a position.

And when the research is done, check these opportunities to get your work published. And your SU provides an annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in November of each year where you can showcase your work and win research awards. This major event is supported by a range of partners, sponsors and supporters.

TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Since 1984, your SU has invited students to nominate U of C instructors who have had a positive impact on their undergraduate learning experience and academic careers. The SU Teaching Excellence Awards is the only campus-wide recognition program for those instructors who make a long-lasting impact on students.

UNDERGRAD RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

The Students’ Union Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) gives students an opportunity to showcase your research alongside other undergraduate researchers from across campus.

RESEARCH RESOURCES

This is a student‐initiated program. Students submit a research proposal and find a suitable Faculty member supervisor working in a related area. Awards of $3000, $4500 or $6000 are available for fulltime positions of 8 weeks, 12 weeks or 16 weeks duration. Applications are made to the Office of the Provost (U of C).

GETTING PUBLISHED IN RESEARCH

This is a student run peer-reviewed journal that will showcase outstanding original work. The journal will be published every six months, one volume and two issues per year (January and July). There will be four main sections, each pertaining to a single or group of particular academic disciplines. The sections include: Science, Technology, Society, Arts, and Theory.