""

Research Funding & Programs

We help fund and support WashU undergraduates throughout their research journeys.

To promote and enhance student learning through undergraduate research, the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) offers financial support via several programs targeted at different stages of students' research journeys. 

  • The Advancing Research Culture (ARC) program invites first-years into inquiry by connecting them with ongoing faculty research projects. No faculty nomination is required for application.
  • The Summer Undergraduate Research Guided Experience (SURGE) program provides stipends and flexible programming for WashU undergraduates pursuing faculty-mentored, project-based inquiry across all academic disciplines during the summer. Submissions for SURGE open on December 15, and a nomination from a faculty research mentor is required. (The SURGE program merges two previously distinct summer awards, BioSURF and SURA, into a unified OUR summer award program.)
  • The Conference Travel Award (CTA) offers financial support for students serving as the lead presenter on upcoming conference or symposium presentations. Students must obtain a nomination from a faculty research mentor who actively engaged with the project being presented. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the relevant conference.
  • The Academic Year Undergraduate Research Award (AYURA) supports project expenses for seniors who are conducting faculty-mentored, inquiry-based independent research or creative endeavors in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis up until semester-specific deadlines.

The OUR also helps WashU students identify and pursue other undergraduate research opportunities at WashU and external institutions. Students can browse available programs on our research opportunities webpage. Eligibility for OUR programs is not restricted based upon race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex or gender.

SURGE Submission Timeline

Students interested in pursuing summer research with support from the OUR's SURGE program should keep the following timeline in mind: 

  • September – December: Find a mentor and formulate a project.
  • January – March: Submit a project proposal and other supporting materials for SURGE.

Such project-based summer funding requires substantial planning, including securing a faculty research mentor, refining the research question or project objective, and developing a project proposal and timeline. If you have questions about where to start, reach out to a WashU Research Ambassador or contact the OUR for guidance!

OUR Programs

Advancing Research Culture (ARC)

The ARC program introduces first-year WashU undergraduates to research by connecting them with ongoing faculty research projects.

Learn more about ARC

Summer Undergraduate Research Guided Experience (SURGE)

SURGE provides summer stipends and flexible programming for WashU undergraduates pursuing faculty-mentored, project-based inquiry across all academic disciplines.

Learn More about SURGE

Conference Travel Award (CTA)

The CTA offers financial support for students serving as the lead presenter on upcoming conference or symposium presentations.

Learn More about Conference Travel Awards

Academic Year Undergraduate Research Award (AYURA)

The AYURA supports project expenses for seniors who are conducting faculty-mentored, inquiry-based independent research or creative endeavors in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts.

Learn more about AYURA

Research Opportunities at WashU and Beyond

Explore additional WashU and non-WashU research programs and opportunities.

Browse Research Opportunities

Paid Employment for Research

Some undergraduate students who contribute to a faculty member's research project are hired into paid research positions. A student may also receive credit for the research experience in addition to pay; however, this varies by department or program. Occasionally, students find their first undergraduate research experience by getting hired into paid research assistant positions. Research groups will sometimes advertise paid positions on our News & Opportunities page or Handshake. More commonly, students begin their research training with a for-credit position on a faculty research project and might later transition to a paid role as they gain experience and skill. 

For federal work-study eligible students, work-study funding may be used for some academic year research positions. With this funding, the federal government will pay more than half of your wages. If you have work-study funding as part of your financial aid package, be sure to highlight this when speaking with a potential research mentor. Work-study eligibility, however, does not guarantee that a paid research position will be available. When an eligible paid role exists, Student Financial Services and your faculty mentor’s departmental administrator can help set it up logistically. 

 

Resources for Applying

Need help? You can find expert assistance preparing personal statements and research proposals for funding applications from many helpful resources here at WashU.

Writing an Abstract

Helpful Tips on writing an abstract for your project

Creating a Budget

Browse our tips and tricks for creating your budget

Writing Center & Speaking Studio

Get support for writing and public speaking

Human Research Protection Office

If you conduct human subjects research, you'll need to contact this office

The Center for Career Engagement

Prepare for career success

WashU Research Ambassador Program (WRAP)

Peer mentors can advise you based on their experience with UG research