NCUR

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. Through this annual conference, NCUR creates a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement; provides models of exemplary research, scholarship, and creative activity; and helps to improve the state of undergraduate education. Each conference hosts 3,500 to 4,000 students from across the globe, presenting their research through posters, oral presentations, visual arts, and performances. Their faculty mentors also attend, often presenting in the Faculty-Administrator Network (FAN) sessions.

Student Presentations 
Student presentations are welcome in all fields and disciplines from the creative and performing arts to biomedical, engineering, and social science research. The National Conference on Undergraduate Research is a wonderful opportunity to meet peers and faculty from around the country and the world who are working in similar research fields, learn about the conduct of research and scholarship in fields very different from your own, learn about graduate school and employment opportunities, and develop your presentation skills. All abstracts and applications will be reviewed by faculty members.

Student participants in NCUR may present in one of the following formats:

• Oral

• Poster

• Visual Arts

• Performing Arts

NCUR is the largest symposium of its kind in the world, bringing together nearly 4,000 undergraduate students each year from all fields and disciplines. The symposium is organized just like a professional meeting of scholarly societies. In this case, the audience is composed of other students, faculty mentors, and administrators. This is your opportunity to share with your peers the expertise you have gained over the course of your research experience. You can also learn what your colleagues have discovered through their projects. This is your chance to see the vast array of research taking place in all fields and disciplines, and meet students from other campuses who are doing similar research. We encourage you to be an active participant in the conference. Use this event as an opportunity to teach and learn. Most NCURs also include a graduate school and/or career fair, providing you with opportunities to meet with recruiters and consider next steps in your education and career path. The following are some guidelines for presenters and participants:

1. Dress for Success. Although you do not need to wear a business suit, you should wear business-casual attire. Take pride in your work. Avoid jeans, wrinkled shirts and t-shirts, short skirts, low-cut tops, and uncomfortable or dirty shoes. Look professional.

2. Anticipate Questions. Try to anticipate the type of questions you might be asked about your research experience. Think of ways to explain your work in non-technical terms.

3. Learn. Use this event as an opportunity to understand a wide variety of research methodology and creative/scholarly activities currently being conducted in fields different than your own.

4. Celebrate. This is an opportunity to celebrate your achievements and those of your peers.