By Jared Jones, Associate Director of PR & Communications, Office of the Vice President for Research
On April 2nd, 2025, the Office of the Undergraduate Research (OUR) hosted the Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS), a longstanding event showcasing the dedication, curiosity, and impact of student researchers across disciplines. URS provides an opportunity for U students who are working with faculty mentors to present their work in a scholarly setting to students, faculty, and other members of the community. Undergrad students from all disciplines at the University of Utah are invited to present their research and creative work.
The Undergraduate Research Symposium is more than a showcase—it’s a reflection of the University of Utah’s commitment to research as a public good. Through hands-on mentorship and inquiry-driven discovery, undergraduate researchers help advance knowledge that benefits communities locally and globally. Efforts like URS, championed by the Office of the Vice President for Research, are essential to preparing the next generation of problem-solvers, creators, and public-minded scholars.
This year’s symposium brought together 280 student researchers, 185 faculty mentors, and an engaged audience of approximately 600 attendees, all coming to celebrate the spirit of inquiry that defines an R1 institution like ours.
The Research Journey
For some students, URS marks the culmination of a years-long research journey; for others, it’s their first step into academic discovery. Regardless of where they are on their path, their work reflects a commitment to tackling real-world challenges through research.
“Research is a public good and we see this in the retention of our students who graduate because of the meaningful communities, connections, and hands-on experiences they have had with research,” said Dr. Annie Isabel Fukushima, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies. “Talk to any of the students who participate in the research enterprise at the U with award-winning faculty… they have made deep connections to people, learned about themselves, and have deeply reflected on how the research they participated in matters for their communities” she added.
Recognizing Excellence
Each year, the symposium also recognizes outstanding student research with poster prizes. Congratulations to this year’s poster prize winners—your work exemplifies the highest standards of inquiry and scholarship. See the full list of winners here. The posters were diverse and impressive, see an example of one here that caught the eye of many.
Looking Ahead
The URS is held three times a year: Spring (in-person, oral and poster presentations), Summer (also in-person), and Fall (as a virtual symposium). These multiple opportunities allow students to share their work in different formats and with a broader audience, further strengthening the research community at the U.
The Office of Undergraduate Research has been in existence since 1987. We began as the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and by 2012 began to grow into the Office we are today serving students beyond the oldest and largest program. The first undergraduate research symposium was held in April 2004.
The Future is Bright
The data speaks for itself: nearly 80% of students who conduct research through OUR secure employment within a year of graduation. The skills, critical thinking, and innovation nurtured in this program make our students stand out. We are proud of this year’s participants and excited to see where their research journey leads next.
To all student researchers, mentors, and supporters—thank you for making this year’s Undergraduate Research Symposium an extraordinary success. The discoveries made today will shape the world of tomorrow. Learn more here.