RESOURCES

When thinking about undergraduate research, it is important to look at all your options. Utilize the resources below to be prepared for this opportunity.

Academic Integrity

Performing research is a huge responsibility. You will be making discoveries, relied on by a team, and your work will both build upon others and be built upon in the future. Integrity is vital. Not knowing the rules is not an option. Prepare yourself with the keys to academic integrity.

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Pathways to Science

The Institute for Broadening Particiaption connects students with STEM funding and research opportunities through their website, www.pathwaystoscience.org. The website has a specific section for undergraduate students to browse 600+ different summer research experiences for undergraduates (REU) and paid internships. Try their "Advanced Search" feature to filter opportunities by location, citizenship requirements, application deadline, type of opportunity, and disciplinary categories, even by keywords.

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NSF REU

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funds a large number of research opportunities through its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites Program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location

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Federal Opportunities for Undergraduate Students

This site, STEMUndergrads.science.gov, was established to be the primary source for searching Federally-sponsored opportunities for undergraduate students and undergraduate programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas. These opportunities range from scholarships and research internships that undergraduate students can apply to directly to funding opportunities for academic institutions to establish innovative undergraduate training programs.

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Research Internships

Research Park Internships

The Research Park at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign provides an environment where students can collaborate with faculty and technology-based businesses on research. It is now home to more than 90 companies, 50+ startup companies, and employing 1,400 people in high-technology careers. More than 400 student interns work in these company while making real contributions to internal corporate Research & Development and product development programs.

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Advanced Digital Science Center (ADSC)

The Advanced Digital Sciences Center is a research center in Singapore operated by faculty of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. ADSC seeks excellent undergraduate (particularly third or fourth year honors) and graduate students in computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and closely related fields to join the center as interns. Internships are available year-round and are designed for students who are considering or pursuing a career in research. Most ADSC undergraduate interns go on to excellent graduate programs in the U.S. and around the world.

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Biomedical Engineering Summer Internship Program (BESIP)

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) sponsored BESIP is for undergraduate biomedical engineering students who have completed their junior year of college. The internship will allow rising senior bioengineering students to participate in cutting edge biomedical research projects under the mentorship of world-class scientists in NIH laboratories in Bethesda, MD.

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Beckman Institute Fellowships and Awards

Beckman Institute Undergraduate Fellows Program

The Beckman Undergraduate Fellows Program, supported by funding from the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, offers University of Illinois undergraduate students the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research at the Institute.

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Carle Neuroscience Institute Undergraduate Research Award

The Carle Neuroscience Institute Undergraduate Research Award allows a promising undergraduate to pursue research in neuroscience or psychology at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology during the summer.

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Erik Haferkamp Memorial Award for Undergraduate Research

The Erik Haferkamp Memorial Award for Undergraduate Research allows a promising undergraduate neuroscientist to pursue research at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology during the summer.

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External Travel Grants

Soffen Memorial Travel Grant for aerospace-related sciences

The Travel Grants are awarded to students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in aerospace-related sciences or engineering fields (astrobiology, astronomy, earth and space science, engineering, etc.) to attend a meeting at which they will present their research.

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Biology Division Student Travel Awards for bioengineering

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

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Campus-Wide Funding Opportunities

Conference Travel Grant

Through OUR's Conference Travel Grant (CTG), undergraduate students can apply for grants of up to $400 to subsidize costs associated with presenting their research posters, papers, or creative works at in-person and virtual professional conferences. The CTG does not provide funds for conference travel for attendance only; grants are meant for students who will present their work.

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Research Support Grant

The Research Support Grant (RSG) provides funding for faculty/staff mentored research or creative projects from all disciplines. This includes research projects both on- and off-campus. Students, with the support of their mentors, can apply for awards of up to $2,000 to cover research travel costs, living expenses incurred during academic breaks (i.e., winter break and summer terms, NOT regular semester living expenses), and materials, equipment, supplies, or other ancillary costs. Materials, equipment, and supplies purchased shall remain property of the University of Illinois following completion of the project.

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