URC@UNC
The inaugural Undergraduate Research Conference at UNC Chapel Hill — expanding equitable access to
research presentation and professional development for Southern undergraduates.
Our Mission
“A research conference for undergraduates, by undergraduates.
Recognizing a disparity in professional development opportunities for Southern students to present and develop research communication, we founded this conference to provide those avenues in North Carolina and beyond.
The Goal
Expand access to professional research presentation opportunities for Southern undergraduates and strengthen scientific communication and career readiness.
The Scope
200 attendees across STEM, Social Sciences, and Humanities tracks with poster sessions, oral presentations, professional development, and merit awards.
Students and faculty
01STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities
02October 2–3, 2026
03Career-focused sessions
04Every question deserves an audience.
— URC@UNC — Inaugural Edition, October 2–3, 2026
Featured Areas
Our multi-track format ensures specialized feedback and networking opportunities for researchers across all disciplines.
Ready to share your research?
Abstract submissions open April 1, 2026
What to expect
Two days of presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to showcase undergraduate research excellence.
Posters are organized by broad disciplines—STEM, Social Sciences, and Humanities. Each session runs alongside 10-minute oral talks in nearby classrooms.
Poster Sessions
Three dedicated poster sessions in the venue atrium alongside sponsor booths. Present your research visually and engage directly with faculty and fellow researchers.
Learn more
Develop your public speaking skills and receive real-time feedback from domain experts. Oral talks run concurrently with poster sessions in classrooms.
Oral Presentations
20–30 selected undergraduates deliver 10–15 minute talks with Q&A to faculty and student audiences in specialized track sessions.
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From research communication to honors thesis guidance, gain practical skills that extend far beyond the conference. Breakout groups allow personalized interaction.
Professional Development
Three career-focused breakout workshops led by career development staff, industry professionals, and academic mentors.
Learn more
Winners receive certificates, plaques, and gift cards. Judged by faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate seniors pursuing honors theses. Select awards sponsored by partner organizations.
Awards Ceremony
Compete for Best Poster, Best Oral Presentation, and the Independent Inquiry award for federally threatened research fields.
Learn moreMark your calendar
From abstract submission to the conference itself, here are the key milestones to keep in mind as you prepare your research.
Set a ReminderApplications Open
Abstract submissions begin. Start preparing your research for presentation.
- Online portal opens
- Submission guidelines available
- All undergraduates eligible
Submission Deadline
Final day to submit your research abstract. All submissions undergo review.
- Final day to submit
- Choose your track
- All undergraduates eligible
Review & Notifications
Abstracts are reviewed and accepted presenters are announced.
- Email notifications
- Presentation assignments
- Schedule finalized
Conference
Two days of poster sessions, oral presentations, professional development, and awards at UNC Chapel Hill.
- Poster & oral sessions
- PD workshops
- Awards ceremony
October 2026
Inaugural conference at UNC Chapel Hill
Meet the organizers
The URC Executive Board is led by a passionate team of undergraduate researchers dedicated to expanding equitable access to research presentation opportunities across the South.
Provides overall leadership, vision, and accountability for the URC. Manages the Executive Committee, serves as primary liaison to faculty advisors and institutional partners.
Ryan Parsaee
Leadership
Co-leads conference planning including venue reservation, grant coordination, and internal/external operations oversight.
Diana Cantú Melo
Leadership
Manages official communications, social media strategy, press releases, and institutional visibility including DTH outreach.
Alyssa Crane
External Operations
Open Positions
Join the organizing committee
We're looking for passionate students to help shape the future of undergraduate research conferences at UNC.
Every question deserves an audience.
A research conference for undergraduates, by undergraduates.
Expanding access to professional research presentation opportunities for Southern undergraduates.
Strengthening students' scientific communication and career readiness.
Building a sustainable, student-led model for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Equitable opportunities to share and celebrate undergraduate research.
Every question deserves an audience.
A research conference for undergraduates, by undergraduates.
Expanding access to professional research presentation opportunities for Southern undergraduates.
Strengthening students' scientific communication and career readiness.
Building a sustainable, student-led model for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Equitable opportunities to share and celebrate undergraduate research.
Something for everyone
Whether you're presenting research, mentoring students, or building partnerships — URC@UNC has a place for you.
For Students
- —Present your research at poster sessions or oral talks
- —Network with students from across North Carolina
- —Attend professional development breakout workshops
- —Compete for Best Poster, Best Oral, and Independent Inquiry awards
For Faculty
- —Support your mentees’ professional development
- —Judge poster and oral presentations
- —Connect with fellow research mentors across disciplines
- —Help shape the future of undergraduate research at UNC
For Sponsors
- —Booth space alongside poster sessions for direct engagement
- —Brand visibility across all conference materials and signage
- —Opportunity to sponsor a named award category
- —Support equitable access to research presentation in the South
Share YourDiscovery.
Join the inaugural Undergraduate Research Conference at UNC Chapel Hill. Present your work, connect with peers, and contribute to a new tradition of undergraduate scholarship.