Our mission
The Undergraduate Research Center (URC), a unit of the Office of Undergraduate Education, encourages and facilitates research opportunities for UC Davis undergraduates in all majors and class levels. We offer awards and activities to support undergraduate research across the university. The URC promotes research as a high impact student experience to enhance readiness to succeed in future careers. Explore our site to discover how to find an undergraduate research position and excel in the experience.
From scientific experiments to the scholarly analysis of literature, doing research is an ideal way to improve your future career prospects. Hands-on experience can help you narrow your interests and identify your aptitudes. If you are sure of your goals, it can provide you with skills that will be valued by employers and allow you to interact more closely with faculty mentors.
Our goals
- Increase awareness and engagement of students in faculty-sponsored undergraduate research and discovery experiences across the UC Davis campus.
- Facilitate and engage campus partners to promote engagement and extend the impact of undergraduate research and discovery experiences.
- Promote a culture of undergraduate research and excellence in mentoring undergraduate research at UC Davis.
- Provide funding opportunities for students engaged in research and discovery experiences.
What we offer
- Advising: The URC schedules group advising sessions. (Regular advising hours are currently on hold due to temporary staffing challenges).
- Information sessions and workshops: The URC provides skill development and insights to prepare undergraduate students for a successful research experience.
- Funding: The URC hosts sponsored programs, fellowships and awards every year.
- Programs: The URC hosts sponsored programs providing academic enrichment and funding support.
- Conference: The URC conducts the annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference.