Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Engaging in undergraduate research will increase your academic and professional success, and enhance your ability to think critically, ask tough questions and search for compelling answers. Research also acts as service to the community, so get involved. This is your education journey, make the most of it!
Funding Opportunities
Research Rookies
The TRU Research Rookies Award is an experiential program designed to give students an introduction to research. This group of students will be mentored by other students, faculty, and staff to develop skills in creative inquiry, interdisciplinary teamwork, ideation, implementation, and presentation. Research Rookies will engage in activities intended to demystify the research process, build awareness of research opportunities and resources, and start developing a unique identity as a researcher.
The Research Rookies Program values equity, diversity, and inclusion, and accepts students from all academic disciplines and levels. This experience is designed to strengthen students’ undergraduate education and provide training to enhance skills that will open the door to future opportunities at TRU and beyond.
- Application deadline: September 28th
- Application Form
- Value: $2,000
Xchange Community-Engaged Student Research Fellowship Program
In alignment with TRU’s commitment to community-engaged research and partnership development, this interdisciplinary fellowship will provide students with opportunities to bridge relationships with community, enhance the quality and impact of research, and build capacity for community-engaged research by applying disciplinary methods and training to addressing and resolving community issues. Designed around a collaborative research space, the Xchange Lab, students will engage respectfully and ethically with community members in meaningful and productive research partnerships that are capable of making a positive difference in communities throughout our region.
- Application deadline: March 23
- Value: $6,000
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors Program
Undergraduate Research Ambassador
This capstone experience will strengthen students' undergraduate research understanding and provide training to enhance skills as TRU Ambassadors. This initiative is open to students who have at least 60 completed credits, and have engaged in or are currently engaged in research or creative activities under the guidance of a TRU faculty member. Ambassadors will work with the Research Office on a range of projects related to undergraduate research. Successful ambassadors receive a $3,000 award.
- Application deadline: March 23
Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program (UREAP)
The Undergraduate Research Experience Award Program (UREAP) is a $6,000 scholarship that can help you get started in your own original research. It is a way to improve your resume, increase your academic and professional success, and make your time in university more interesting and rewarding.
- Application deadlines: Oct. 15 (Fall) & Feb. 28 (Winter)
Environmental Science and Natural Resource Science
Enviro Science Fellowship Award
The fellowship was generously created by an anonymous donor for the development of two awards; one for Environmental Sciences and one for Natural Resource Sciences. Recipients — either senior undergraduate or graduate students — will be selected based on their scholarly achievements, their commitment to research and their demonstrated potential for future contributions to our understanding of the environment. The fellowship is a prestigious award with a value of $7,500 for each recipient.
- Application deadline: Nov. 15
NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award Program (USRA)
***UPDATED FOR 2023***
This award provides $6,000 funding from NSERC and an additional (minimum) 25% ($1,500) from faculty for undergraduate students in the natural sciences and engineering to engage in research over a 16-week period over the summer (May to August). These are competitive national-level awards (unlimited awards available for Indigenous Students). Students must discuss this opportunity with a faculty member they would like to work with. Faculty members who are authorized to independently supervise students may mentor.
- Application deadline: January 29th
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Members of the TRU faculty often require students to assist in their own research. If you are interested in this opportunity, please speak with your professors.
Indigenous Knowledge Makers
Workshop dates TBD
This program is designed to encourage undergraduate Indigenous students to pursue research programs. Students will attend workshops that are designed to introduce them to research, enable them to contribute to a research publication and its dissemination, and also provide them with Indigenous research mentors. Upon completion of the program students receive a $1,000 award.
- Application deadline: TBD
Mitacs Research Training
Competition closed
Value: $6,000, two awards available
Terms of Reference
Award Application
This is an immediate and short-term opportunity for undergradaute and graduate students to undertake a 12-16-week paid research training internship. Mitacs and TRU have contributed equally toward this opportunity. The timing of this award is intended to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing opportunities for students to conduct research over the summer months. These student-led projects are designed to enhance student research skills through interaction with faculty and hands-on research and training experience. Projects must begin no later than August 31.
Globalink Research
Mitacs: Globalink Research Award
Application Deadline: January and June, dates TBD
This award provides $5,000 in funding to support senior undergraduate and graduate student research project abroad. This is for joint research projects with academic collaborators for a minimum of 12 weeks to a maximum of 24 weeks abroad. Partner countries include Brazil, mainland China, India, Mexico and Vietnam.
Environment Canada Atmospheric and Meteorological Undergraduate
Environment Canada Atmospheric and Meteorological Undergraduate SupplementsThis award provides a $1,000 supplement to high-calibre students who have been awarded a USRA to complete studies in atmospheric or meteorological sciences.
- Application deadline: June 1
Share your research
In a Nutshell - Undergraduate Thesis Competition
In a Nutshell is an annual undergraduate research competition where students are challenged to pitch their research in 3 minutes or less! This annual event is hosted by our research ambassador team and is open to any TRU undergraduate students who have participated in research. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries. The event is open to all TRU students who wish to watch the presentations.
What to Expect:
Participants will be asked to present a 1-slide PowerPoint related to their research and answer the following questions in a 3-minute oral presentation:
- What is your research question?
- What research method did you apply?
- What results were obtained?
- What is the significance of your findings?
When: TBD
How to Apply: Review the Application Guidelines and submit a response to Google Forms by the application deadline.
Application Deadline: TBD
For further inquiries, please contact: studentresearch@tru.ca
TRUSU Conference Attendance Grant
The Student's Union, through the Comprehensive University Enhancement Fund (CUEF) provides students with grant funding to attend conferences and competitions to enhance opportunities for learning outside the classroom.
Undergraduate Research & Innovation Conference
An on-campus conference where students can present the findings of their research through posters, oral presentations and performance. This conference takes place in the spring each year, and is open to all undergraduate students to present or participate as volunteers.
Conference dates: March 20-24, 2023
Register here: https://tru.libwizard.com/f/urc2023
Philosophy, History and Politics (PHP) Undergraduate Conference
The Department of Philosophy, History and Politics at TRU offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students. Participate in the student-organized undergraduate conference which is held each January, and explore the past and present through presentations in philosophy, history and politics.
Conference dates TBD
Further Funding
TRU's Financial Aid and Awards office provides up to date information on funding opportunities for undergraduate students.
Application Assistance
Please contact us if you require any guidance in the application process for these awards.
