Undergraduate Research
Research is curiosity-driven exploration. Through research, students dive deeply into topics that interest them, find new answers to questions, and share those answers with others, which may take the form of research papers or creative projects. Research also requires and helps build critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, and written and oral communication skills, all of which are transferable skills that can be applied to future endeavors, whether academic or otherwise. Undergraduates can conduct research as research assistants that help faculty or as faculty-supported independent researchers for course credit or for a summer experience, including the possibility of going abroad.
If you are interested in doing undergraduate research, the best way to get started is by meeting with an advisor at the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR).
For departmental advice, please contact Prof. Francesca Tataranni
Undergraduate Funding Opportunities
Research Grants offered by the Office of Undergraduate Research
The Undergraduate Research Assistant Program (URAP) funds inexperienced students to work as research assistants (RAs) for an hourly wage with faculty who are in need of assistance on their own research projects. Students can apply as a "pre-selected student," meaning they have had a conversation with the faculty they want to work with and the two apply together, or they can apply to positions for faculty who need RAs but do not have a particular student in mind. Applications center on a resume and short answer questions. OUR advisors can help students learn how to search for and approach faculty about working as an RA!
Academic Year Undergraduate Research Grants (AYURG) provide up to $1,000 to pay for your research expenses to do an independent academic or creative project, in all fields of study, under faculty supervision. The project must be connected to an independent study or thesis/capstone course for at least one quarter during the academic year. For research involving international travel, AYURGs also cover 50% of a round-trip plane ticket. Applications center on a 2-page grant proposal and budget. OUR advisors can help students learn how to search for and approach faculty about conducting independent research and will teach you how to write a grant proposal!
Summer Undergraduate Research Grants (SURG) provide a $4,000 stipend to cover living expenses for eight weeks of full-time research on an independent academic or creative project, in all fields of study, under faculty supervision. For research involving international travel, SURGs also cover 50% of a round-trip plane ticket. Applications center on a 2-page grant proposal. OUR advisors can help students learn how to search for and approach faculty about conducting independent research and will teach you how to write a grant proposal! While students can obtain one-on-one support with their application from an OUR advisor, OUR also offers an 8-week bootcamp for students interested in applying for the SURG.
The Circumnavigators Travel-Study Grant provides $10,000 to support an around-the-world travel-study project in any discipline during the summer between junior and senior year.
The Emerging Scholars Program provides 15 months of funding for first year students, including those who are first generation or lower income college students, to get started in research and/or creative activities in the arts, humanities, journalism, and social sciences.
For additional information on any of these grants or any aspect of undergraduate research, see the Office of Undergraduate Research website.
Research Grants offered by the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
The Weinberg Academic Year Grant, run by the Weinberg College Baker Program in Undergraduate Research, provides up to $1000 to assist Weinberg undergraduates in pursuing original research or creative work under the close supervision of a faculty member during the academic year.
The Weinberg Summer Grant, run by the Weinberg College Baker Program in Undergraduate Research, provides a $4000 stipend to cover research and living expenses for a continuous eight-week summer period
Weinberg Designated Funds and Special Grants
Katherine L. Krieghbaum Scholarships provide $4000 for senior-year research projects. Awarded by the Weinberg Committee on Superior Students and Honors. Departments may nominate one candidate. One winner is chosen from each of WCAS' three divisions. For more information, contact Associate Dean Liz Trubey.
The Posner Summer Fellowship Program provides summer research funds for students from underrepresented groups who are at earlier stages than students eligible for most other funding sources – typically fist-years and sophomores. For more information, contact Associate Dean Liz Trubey.
Herskovits Undergraduate Fellowship Program provides funding for research involving the use of Northwestern's renowned Africana collection. The fellowships are administered by Weinberg College's undergraduate program, the Program of African Studies, and the Melville J. Herskovits Library of African Studies. Contact the Program of African Studies at 847-491-7323 for additional information.
Lane Environmental Studies Grants provide funding for research on environmental issues. Applications for research during the academic year should be submitted on the Weinberg Academic Research Grant form. Applications for research during the summer should be submitted on the Weinberg Summer Research Grant form.
Sion Asia-Related Research Grants provide funding for research on Asia-related topics. Applications for research during the academic year should be submitted on the Weinberg Academic Research Grant form. Applications for research during the summer should be submitted on the Weinberg Summer Research Grant form.
Presenting Your Research and Creative Works
OUR offers Conference Travel Grants (CTG), which fund 50% of your expenses (up to $500) to present your research at conferences or exhibitions. CTGs can also be used to present original creative projects at juried competitions for performance based disciplines.
In addition to the OUR CTG, Weinberg College undergraduate students may apply for Weinberg Conference Travel Grants if they are presenting the results of their research or creative work at professional conferences. The Weinberg conference travel grants will support a maximum of 50% of the travel costs and conference attendance up to $500.
Apply to OUR's Undergraduate Research & Arts Expo, the annual forum for original research and creative work by Northwestern undergraduates, where prizes are awarded for the best poster, oral presentation, and creative arts entry.