The UC Davis Undergraduate Research Center offers students multiple avenues to participate in research or secure funding. Abstracts and application deadlines fall in February for both the annual conference and a new research initiative.

Undergraduates who seek to present at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference in April must submit their abstracts by Feb. 19. Because abstracts require a faculty sponsor, students should contact faculty mentors now to discuss projects. The research center offers workshops to support students with the abstract process. Workshops designed to assist students with research poster design are planned for later this spring. 

Nearly 900 students participated in last year’s conference, a record turnout for the 36-year-old conference. Presentation formats included research posters, oral presentations, digital media and art exhibits.  

Applications close this month for another undergraduate research opportunity — the new Aggie Scholars Research Initiative. This initiative offers research stipends up to $1,000, as well as mentorship and hands-on experience for research in the arts, social sciences and the humanities.  Applications close Feb. 27. Visit the center’s website to read more about this new research program. 

“This initiative addresses a gap in research opportunities that contribute to critical issues in society, culture and the humanities,” said Raynell Hamilton-Starks, director for the Undergraduate Research Center. “Designed to foster equitable participation in research, the program focuses on empowering underrepresented students in the social sciences, arts and humanities disciplines.”

With limited research opportunities typically available in the arts, social sciences and humanities, the new initiative is one backed strongly by Michael Bradford, vice provost and dean for UC Davis Undergraduate Education and an award-winning director, producer and playwright. 

“I began writing plays early on, and the ability to use the arts to reflect back onto society is a muscle I continue using in my work as the dean of Undergraduate Education,” Bradford said. “Seeing the world through the lens of the social sciences, arts and humanities broadens our perspectives and improves how we engage in truly impactful ways.” 

The Undergraduate Research Center, a unit of the Office of Undergraduate Education, encourages and facilitates research opportunities for UC Davis undergraduates in all majors and class levels.