Michigan State University undergraduate students will have the opportunity to showcase their research projects and creativity during the 25th annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum, or UURAF, set for Friday, April 14. 

The hybrid event, hosted both online and at the Breslin Student Events Center, will feature more than 900 MSU undergraduate students presenting on a wide range of research projects, including number theory and cryptography, use-of-force policy transparency and novel cancer-detection technology.

The annual forum, co-sponsored by the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and the Honors College, showcases the ways that MSU students are involved in the impressive research portfolio of the university. UURAF provides a unique educational opportunity for aspiring researchers. MSU undergraduate students gain experience presenting their research through poster, oral, film, exhibit or performance presentations; responding to questions about their work from peers, faculty, staff and the public; and receiving and applying constructive feedback from judges.  

“Engaging in research experiences gives MSU undergraduate students a competitive edge. They are learning how to problem solve while working with world-class researchers,” said Korine Wawrzynski, assistant dean and director for Undergraduate Research at MSU. “These experiences equip students with problem-solving skills and expertise that will translate to a variety of careers once they leave MSU.” 

Monetary prizes are awarded to recognize exemplary presentations. One first-place award of $100 will be given in each section. First-place award recipients are eligible to submit their work for the two UURAF grand prizes of $500 each, which will be awarded to one presentation from the science, technology, engineering and mathematics categories and one presentation from the social sciences, humanities and arts categories. The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 26 at the MSU Union Ballroom. 

Events on both April 14 and April 26 are free and open to the public.

Learn more about the 2023 virtual forum.