UCI Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

UROP Opportunities

UROP provides recognition and funding to UCI undergraduate students from all disciplines in support of research or creative activities under the guidance of UCI faculty members. 

Call for Fall Proposals

Students are encouraged to explore faculty mentored research and apply for funding by submitting a proposal during the fall. The awards are intended for use of project supplies and expenses and typically range from $250 – $1,000 per individual project, with higher amounts available for group projects. These awards are for research being carried out for up to one year (fall 2020 through summer 2022).

Fall 2020 Deadline:
November 9, 2020 @ 11:59 pm

Details and Requirements

The Fall 2020 Call for Proposals has closed and will re-open in Fall 2021.

Application Materials:

  • Proposal (Sample Proposals)
  • Personal Statement
  • Faculty Mentor Letter of Recommendation
  • Additional documentation and approval may be required for certain types of research

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Current UCI undergraduate student through at least winter quarter 2021
  • Good academic standing
  • UCI Faculty Mentor guidance
Call for Spring Proposals

Students are encouraged to explore faculty mentored research and apply for funding by submitting a proposal in the spring. The awards are intended for use of project supplies and expenses and typically range from $250 – $1,000 per individual project, with higher amounts available for group projects. These awards are for research being carried out for up to one year (spring 2021 through spring 2022).

Spring 2021 Deadline:  
Monday, May 3, 2021 @ 11:59 pm

Details and Requirements

Apply as an individual or a group.  Students are expected to present their research at the Spring Research Symposium the year following their award.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Current UCI undergraduate student through at least summer 2021
  • Good academic standing
  • UCI Faculty Mentor guidance

Application Materials:

  • Proposal (Sample Proposals)
  • Personal Statement
  • Faculty Mentor Letter of Recommendation

  • Projects involving human and/or animal subjects must adhere to UCI’s research conduct rules.  Students should consult with their faculty mentor to determine if IRB or IACUC approval is needed.  If this project involves human subjects, review the UCI IRB Exempt Self-Determination Tool to determine which procedure to follow.

Application Instructions:

Call for Summer Proposals

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) is a research fellowship for UCI undergraduate students. It is aimed at students with some prior research experience who plan to continue an intensive, faculty mentored research experience over the summer. The fellowships are typically for 10 weeks, with a commitment of 20 hours per week. However, the total time commitment is flexible and should be appropriate for the proposed project. The award amounts are flexible and dependent on student need and the time commitment of the project. They are capped at $3,000, and are provided to students in one or two stipends.

Summer 2021 Deadline:  
Monday, May 3, 2021 @ 11:59 pm

Details and Requirements

SURP awards are individual awards. Students are expected to present their research at the Spring Research Symposium the year following their award.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Current UCI undergraduate student through at least fall quarter 2021
  • Good academic standing
  • UCI Faculty Mentor guidance
  • Some prior research experience. Recommended: at least one quarter working on a research project at UCI

Application Materials:

  • Proposal (Sample Proposals)
  • Personal Statement
  • Faculty Mentor Letter of Recommendation
  • SURP Survey 
  • Projects involving human and/or animal subjects must adhere to UCI’s research conduct rules.  Students should consult with their faculty mentor to determine if IRB or IACUC approval is needed.  If this project involves human subjects, review the UCI IRB Exempt Self-Determination Tool to determine which procedure to follow.

Application Instructions:

NEW One-time COVID Support for Graduating Seniors

UROP is able to provide limited support to students who are graduating either Spring or Summer of 2021 and who were unable to complete current research projects this year due to COVID. For students graduating Spring 2021 who need access to campus resources, including labs, we are able to offer Honorary UROP Awards that will provide this access. For students requiring some financial support, a very limited number of $500 and $1000 Fellowships are available based on need and time required to complete the work. 

Deadline:  
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are no longer available.

Details and Requirements

These awards are not available to start new research projects or for projects that need substantial time to complete.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Current UCI undergraduate student in Spring quarter 2021 graduating in Spring or Summer 2021
  • Good academic standing
  • UCI Faculty Mentor guidance
  • Unable to complete current research projects this year due to COVID

Application Materials:

  • 1-2 page description of the research project and work completed to date
  • Brief description of the impact of COVID on the project
  • 1-2 page description of the remaining work and expected timeline
  • Letter from the faculty mentor confirming the work to date, impact of COVID and expectation of completion over the summer

Application Instructions:

  • Submit your Application Materials via e-mail to: urop@uci.edu