About URCA

Developed as a resource to help guide students towards experiential education opportunities, URCA seeks to enhance undergraduates’ time at UCSB through participation in research and creative activities. Together, these programs work to foster individuals who are prepared to apply their learned skills towards their future personal, academic, and professional goals.

URCA Week 2025

Starts May 13!

  • 439 Presenters

  • 282 Posters

  • 58 Conference Talks

  • 10 Slam Finalists

URCA Week showcases the incredible range of scholarship and creative projects UCSB undergraduates have worked on all year. During these events, students from all departments present their work through various formats including poster sessions, oral presentations, roundtables, demonstrations, and competitive lightning talks known as the Slam. The week provides students with a platform to share their academic and creative accomplishments with the campus community.

All events are open to the public!

Conference

Date: Tuesday, May 13th, 2025

Time: 8 AM - 5:30 PM

Roundtables and Demonstrations in the UCen State Street Room

Oral Presentations in the UCen Lobero Room

Program

Poster Colloquium

Date: Wednesday, May 14th, 2025

Location: Corwin Pavilion

Session A: Life and Psychological Sciences
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Session B: Technology, Society, and Culture
12:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Program

Slam

Date: Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Time: 4:30 pm

Location: Library Room 1312

Program Coming Soon

Finding and Funding Research

Getting Started In Research

How you can start your journey in research at UCSB.

Start Here

Research Directory

The Undergrad Research Directory is your go-to place for discovering new research projects taking place on campus.

Go to Directory

URCA Grant

The URCA grant is an opportunity for undergraduates to pursue their independent research projects with funding up to $750.

URCA Grant

Support for Students

Contact Us

If you're overwhelmed or curious about research and unsure where to begin, we're here to help you out.

Contact Page

Student Hours and Events

News and Updates

News

Undergrad Experiments Operated by Astronauts on Int’l Space Station, STEM Opp Sept 2024

ANNOUNCEMENT
February 29, 2024

U.S. and Canadian National Model STEM Education Program Opportunity for Undergraduate Institutions

Announcing the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) 21st Flight Opportunity - SSEP Mission 19 to the International Space Station, Starting September 2024    

Continue Reading Undergrad Experiments Operated by Astronauts on Int’l Space Station, STEM Opp Sept 2024


Call for Applications: Hanson Family Conference Travel Grant

We are pleased to announce the Hanson Family Conference Travel Grant is accepting applications. The Hanson Family Conference Travel Grant is awarded to one student each quarter. Students may apply for up to $1,000 in research conference expenses. 

Application Deadlines

  • March 1, 2024: For conferences occurring between March 15 and June 7
  • May 24, 2024: For conferences occurring after June 8 and December 7

Students must have been accepted to present at the research conference at the time of application.

Continue Reading Call for Applications: Hanson Family Conference Travel Grant