For undergraduates,by undergraduates.
The Undergraduate Research Conference at UNC is a research conference for undergraduates, by undergraduates. Recognizing a disparity in professional development opportunities for Southern students, we founded this conference to provide avenues for research presentation and career growth in North Carolina and beyond.
What is URC@UNC?
The URC will take place from October 2–3, 2026 on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus with a planned 200 attendees.
Undergraduates with accepted abstracts will present their research at poster sessions organized by broad disciplines including STEM, social sciences, and the humanities. About 20–30 selected undergraduates will present 15-minute oral talks throughout the event.
We plan to provide financial merit awards to the best poster and oral presentations, judged by faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate seniors pursuing honors theses.
Beyond research presentations, the conference includes professional development seminars and competitive research communication awards prioritizing federally threatened research fields—public health, social sciences, and minoritized-disparity focused work.
Why we exist.
Expand Access
Expand access to professional research presentation opportunities for Southern undergraduates who face a disparity in professional development avenues.
Strengthen Communication
Strengthen students’ scientific communication skills and career readiness through poster sessions, oral presentations, and professional development workshops.
Build a Sustainable Model
Build a sustainable, student-led model for interdisciplinary collaboration that enhances UNC’s reputation as a hub for undergraduate research excellence.
The road to October.
Foundation
- Form the organizing committee and assign roles
- Reserve University venues
- Launch social media presence and website design
- Prepare sponsorship and funding applications
- Meet with other conferences for reference
Outreach
- Open call for abstracts (April 1, deadline July 1)
- Conduct outreach to universities across North Carolina
- Secure initial sponsors and confirm professional development speakers
- Finalize list of materials for venue
Preparation
- Review abstract submissions and finalize accepted presentations
- Order logistical materials: signage, supplies, poster boards
- Confirm catering arrangements and publish preliminary schedule
Final Push
- Finalize program booklet and confirm award judges
- Train volunteers for conference operations
- Complete marketing through campus and digital platforms
- Conduct audiovisual and room setup tests
Conference
- Host the inaugural Undergraduate Research Conference
- Collect participation data and feedback from attendees
Evaluation
- Compile internal and external operations evaluation report
- Distribute outcomes to sponsors and stakeholders
- Initiate planning for the following year’s conference
How we’re funded.
The URC is funded through a combination of university grants, student government allocations, and corporate sponsorships from the Research Triangle. Our total projected budget is $7,230.
Bryan Fellowship
$1,500Y-Fund (Campus Y)
$1,000Student Senate Appropriations
TBDCorporate Sponsorships
TBDOur partners.
Campus Y
The URC is a Campus Y affiliated organization, providing access to university venues, fiscal sponsorship, and institutional support.
Office of Undergraduate Research
Partnering with OUR to support undergraduate researchers and promote research opportunities across campus.
UNC Chapel Hill
Housed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one of the nation’s leading public research universities.
Ready to share your research?
Submit your abstract by July 1, 2026 and join 200 fellow undergraduates at UNC Chapel Hill.