Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI)
Overview
The Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) offers opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research. URI is open to students in any discipline, at any stage of their studies. Students can pursue undergraduate research through credit or non-credit opportunities.
For-credit research opportunities include research-based courses, independent studies, research certificates and honors or specialization programs.Non-credit research opportunities include summer research, internships, research abroad, research assistantships, student group projects and other various student-led initiatives).
Benefits
There are numerous benefits to participating in undergraduate research. Engaging in research experiences can help students explore or clarify their future career opportunities, establish connections with peers or mentorship with faculty members as well as develop new skills.
Application Information
- Students can explore available opportunities on the URI Opportunity Board on campusBRIDGE or on the URI ‘Find an Opportunity’ page. Students can also set up an advising appointment for help in navigating the application process or to learn more. Many undergraduate research opportunities are not formally advertised, so advising with URI is strongly encouraged.
- Graduate students and Instructors can get involved in mentoring undergraduate researchers.
Contact
- Contact uri@ualberta.ca for more information.
- Students can request an appointment with an advisor to learn more.
Program Details
Research-Based Learning
- Directed Reading Courses
- Other Research Experiences
Eligibility Requirements
- Specific requirements may vary for each opportunity. The URI website clearly articulates the necessary steps to ‘Getting Started in Undergraduate Research’ and to ‘Navigating the Research Process’.
Recognition + Compensation
- Generally, for-credit experiences are unpaid but students will receive academic credit (e.g. grade or designation on transcript).
- Non-credit research opportunities may be paid or unpaid, depending on the experience.
- Students may also consider applying for funding to support their research opportunity.
Duration, Format + Location
- Non-credit opportunities may be full-time or part-time and the duration of the opportunity can vary from a few weeks up to several months.