Experience research outside the classroom

Pursue your research passion and work with world-class researchers in the lab and in the field. 

Apply to do student research at UCalgary

Alberta Innovates Highschool Youth Researcher Summer (HYRS)

The 2021 competition is currently pending confirmation from Alberta Innovates. If you are a supervisor, please contact rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca.

Apply

Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentships

Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentships are available for undergraduate students in Alberta. They provide motivated students with exceptional academic records an opportunity to participate in medical or health-related research at the University during the summer months.

  • Student deadline: 4:00 pm MST Friday, Feb. 4, 2022
  • Supervisor deadline: 4:00 pm MST Friday, Feb. 11, 2022

Apply

BME Summer Research Studentships

Summer research studentships are available through the Biomedical Engineering Calgary initiative and several funding partners across campus. Studentships are open to all undergraduates. The 2022 BME Summer Studentships will become available through the PURE Program when it opens in early December.

  • Student deadline: Feb. 4, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. MST
  • Supervisor reference deadline: Feb. 11, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. MST

Apply

IICD Summer Studentships

Summer research studentships are available through the Infections, Inflammation and Chronic Diseases (IICD) in a Changing Environment initiative. Studentships are open to all undergraduates.

  • The 2021 competition is currently pending confirmation from IICD

Apply

Undergraduate research funding opportunities

CIHR - Institute Community Support (ICS) Summer Studentship Award

The primary objective of the Summer Studentship Award program is to target the early stage of the student’s academic training to increase research capacity and encourage the pursuit of the specific areas of strategic interest identified by the Institute of Aging and the Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health.

Apply for ICS

NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)

The NSERC USRA program provides support for research work experience in the natural sciences and engineering.

Apply for USRA

Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)

The Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) provides up to $6,000 of financial support to University of Calgary undergraduates to conduct research for 8, 12 or 16 weeks between May and August. The PURE program makes it possible for students to work with on-campus experts to learn how research projects are developed, and how their results can contribute to new knowledge while solving problems in society.

Apply for PURE

Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning

College of Discovery, Creativity and Innovation

The College of Discovery, Creativity and Innovation (CDCI) at the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning is devoted to providing and supporting different types of learning experiences that bring together students, faculty and community through discovery, creativity, and innovation, cutting across the normal boundaries within the university.

Go to CDCI

Tips for success

When you are applying for a research position, find some background information on the researcher with whom you are interested in working. Look into their research, projects currently underway, and publications. Make sure that your research interests match theirs or it may make for a very boring work term.

If you’re interested in working with a professor at the university, send them an email. In the email:

  • Let them know what you are interested in and how you can help them with their research
  • Provide some brief information about yourself
  • Attach a resume and cover letter
  • Offer to provide them with further information such as transcripts

If you’re interested in working for the government or a company, follow the instructions provided in the project description. If no specifics are given, send a resume and cover letter to the email address provided. Also, be sure to fill out any necessary application forms.

Don’t get discouraged! You may have to contact several researchers and go in for a few interviews before obtaining a position.