At a time when research is more important than ever, this year's Undergraduate Research Week at UCLA will offer unprecedented global access to the presentations of our student researchers. Underscoring Bruin's passion to make a profound difference in the world, research topics include: COVID-19, Los Angeles community issues, Disability, Homelessness, and Mental Health.

This provides a meaningful time when students can experience first-hand the generosity of alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends- who ensure every UCLA undergraduate student has research opportunities. Your contribution, regardless of the size, matters not only to further research but to create opportunities for others— one experience, one student, one discovery at a time.

The Undergraduate Research Center's (URC's) Strategy: Preparation, Access and Opportunity 

Our mission to promote, develop, and celebrate undergraduate student research is made all the more relevant during times like these when leadership in innovation ensures that every undergraduate student can remotely pursue the programs, services and financial help they need to participate in research.

The number of Bruins who contact the URCs seeking scholarships, faculty mentorship and other forms of assistance continues to grow.

Your gift will directly impact the URCs ability to increase the percentage of student researcher applicants that are awarded much needed scholarships. 

Re-Imagining Undergraduate Research Week 

UCLA’s Undergraduate Research Week (URW) has historically represented gatherings all across campus of young researchers aspiring to be the leaders of tomorrow and problem solvers for global problems. Open to all UCLA undergraduates participating in research and creative projects, it has provided opportunities to present research findings to the broader community on an extensive range of topics.

This year, as a response to the unique remote learning circumstances students face, the URCs have created a weeklong virtual event where over 800 talented undergraduates with direction from their award- winning faculty mentors still have the opportunity to showcase their research. A capstone of the week is the virtual Research Showcase featuring live presentations from students, faculty, staff and industry experts.

Experience UCLA's Undergraduate Research 

The URCs at UCLA make it their mission to provide a substantive research experience opportunity that does more than provide an intellectual challenge, but also gives a meaningful opportunity that can open up a whole new understanding of the world.

Participation in research or a creative activity can help students find their niche on a campus. Relationships developed through trial, error, and sustained work together brings a lifelong sense of community to research groups, labs, and teams.

UCLA students who conduct undergraduate research can explore and define their career path before graduation, allowing for them to adjust and pivot based on new interests or discovered strengths. Undergraduate researchers gain a distinct advantage when applying to jobs or graduate school. With references from UCLA's world-renowned faculty mentors in hand, UCLA student researchers graduate with endorsements related to their intellectual abilities, practical skills, and academic potential.