UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AWARD (URA)

Wondering what to do this summer? Experience Research

Why not experience research with a professor at your own university?  Professors at the University of Manitoba, through their research, scholarly work and creative activities are contributing to the cultural, economic, health and social well-being of the citizens of Manitoba, Canada and the world. Professors work individually or in teams to analyze challenging and complex issues to make our lives better and more meaningful.  They collectively bring more than $160 million from external sources, on a competitive basis, to support their research, scholarly work and creative activities and to nurture young minds to become trailblazers, pioneers, and innovators.

About the Award

Last year, we offered undergraduate students an exciting opportunity to compete for 1 of up to 80 awards; to be mentored full-time with a professor of their choice for 16 weeks, to receive a $6,000 award, and to gain valuable experience in their field of interest. We received over 260 applications and funded 80 students. Pending Senate approval in December, we are pleased to offer the award again this year.

Who is eligible?

* Full-time U of M students (must be enrolled in 24 credit hours at the March 20th voluntary withdrawal date)
* Completed a minimum of 24 credit hours
* Minimum degree GPA of 3.0 based on all credits completed at the time of application  
* Cannot be held in conjunction with other competitive awards such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Undergraduate Research Summer Award. 

What do you need to do?

1. Interview two professors (any two) to find out more about their areas of research, scholarly work or creative activity.
2. Write two 150-word summaries based on the two professors you have interviewed on their research, scholarly work or creative activities.
3. Choose one of the professors and write a 250-word rationale for your choice, indicating how this research, scholarly work or creative activity fits with your own long-term career aspirations.
4. Submit your paragraphs along with a completed application form to Lindsey Troschuk, lindsey.troschuk@ad.umanitoba.ca
5. You are encouraged to present the results of your research, scholarly work or creative activity at the annual Undergraduate Research Poster Competition to be held on October 30, 2013 (umanitoba.ca/postercompetition).

How do you apply?

1. Completed URA application form
2. Electronic scan or pdf of latest printout of students’ grades from Aurora account
3. Three summary paragraphs mentioned in #2 and #3 above.
4. Email these to: Lindsey Troschuk lindsey.troschuk@ad.umanitoba.ca  

We look forward to receiving your application material. Good luck!

When will you hear about the decision?

All applicants for the University of Manitoba Undergraduate Research Award will be notified by April 2, 2013. Submissions will be adjudicated by a committee appointed by the Vice-President (Research and International).

Successful Awardees:

After receiving notification, each award recipient should contact their chosen professor to provide a 250 word (maximum) signed outline of the research program, specifying how you will fit with and augment their research program. In cases where a student’s work is not directly linked to the professor’s research, scholarly work or creative activity the professor must indicate how they will ensure that you are being mentored in the area and discipline as an undergraduate researcher.

This signed outline, a fully completed direct deposit form (with void cheque attached), your Social Insurance Number and date of birth must be submitted to Lindsey Troschuk (S100A Medical Services Building, 750 Bannatyne Ave. R3E 0W3) by April 15, 2013 to release your award.