While the Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships coordinates the UCARE and FYRE programs on an annual basis, there are many additional opportunities for undergraduate research engagement, listed below!
UNL staff or faculty may email ucare@unl.edu to list new or additional UNL-affiliated programs.
Course Credit & College-Specific Opportunities
UNL students can leverage experiential learning opportunities throughout the undergraduate career. Each College, and the University Honors Program, offers opportunities to conduct undergraduate research or original, creative work, which may include coursework for credit or other types of out-of-classroom, hands-on learning.
Talk to an academic advisor in your College if you are interested in receiving course credit for undergraduate research activities!
Experiential Learning Funds
Do you need funding for your experiential learning activity, such as undergraduate research, creative projects, or internships? Check whether your plans are eligible for the First Generation Nebraska Experiential Learning Fund, Global Experiential Learning Fund, Honors Student Experience Fund, or College of Arts & Sciences Experiential Learning Fund.
Cross-Campus Opportunities
Nebraska Summer Research Program
The Nebraska Summer Research Program is a consortium of NSF funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), NIFA USDA funded Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU), and other summer research opportunities programs (SROP). This intensive summer research experience provides mentoring and research experiences while allowing scholars to preview graduate school life. Apply between mid-November to early February annually.
Institutional Development Award Program (IDeA) Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE)
The INBRE Scholar Program is an NIH-funded summer research program at UNL, UNMC, or Creighton University. UNL sophomores interested in a research career in biomedical sciences are invited to apply. Benefits include scholarship funding, a summer research experience in Omaha or Lincoln with the opportunity to continue projects through graduation, and support for graduate education in Nebraska. Apply by mid-December annually.
Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) Agricultural Research Division (ARD) Undergraduate Student Research Program
The Undergraduate Student Research Program gives outstanding University undergraduate students the opportunity to conduct research under the direction of an ARD faculty mentor. It is open to junior and senior undergraduates proposing to work with a faculty member who has an ARD appointment. Apply by mid-January annually.
Upward Bound Math-Sciences (UBMS) and School of Biological Sciences STEM-POWER
Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS) is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students at local high schools. Through this program students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science as they are encouraged to pursue a collegiate degree in a STEM field. Housed in the School of Biological Sciences, the STEM-POWER Research Program brings incoming first-year students onto campus to complete summer research, build community and receive mentorship from professors and peers. Students receive research opportunities and mentorship from faculty in the School of Biological Sciences or departments of biochemistry, chemistry and mathematics.
Bureau of Sociological Research Student Internships
BOSR specializes in survey methodology, a field with broad real-world impacts in academia, government, marketing, public policy, public health, program evaluation, and nonprofit and for-profit enterprises around the world. BOSR offers paid, summer internships. Interns gain real experience with human subjects research, surveys, and other data collection methods. Preference will be given to students with statistics, social sciences, or methods experience/courses.
Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance Student Fellows and Internships
The Clayton Yeutter Institute of International Trade and Finance connects academic disciplines related to law, policy, business and agriculture to prepare students for leadership roles in international trade and finance, support interdisciplinary research, and increase public understanding of these issues. Yeutter Student Fellows is a professional development program for students seeking a margin of excellence in their career preparation. A new cohort forms each academic year and commits to regular meetups focused on networking, skill building, and learning about international trade. Apply by mid-April annually. Additional internship opportunities have varied deadlines.
International Student & Scholar Office Ngaruiya Family Fund for Undergraduate Research
This scholarship is a one-time award to a single recipient engaged in research in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field. Apply by late July annually.
NCESR Undergraduate Summer Internship
The Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research offers summer internships with support from the Nebraska Public Power District. Interns engage in energy sciences research, participate in events and field trips, and present at the Nebraska Summer Research Symposium.
Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program
UNL’s McNair Scholars Program prepares its scholars for graduate study by goal setting, engaging in research with UNL faculty mentor guidance, and developing relational skills critical to success at the doctoral level. Apply by mid-April annually.
Beyond UNL
Office of Research & Innovation: Pivot Search
Pivot-RP is a database that contains active funding opportunities across all disciplines and project types, including the U.S. federal government, private foundations, corporate organizations, and international organizations. Faculty, staff, and students are able to make and save custom searches in Pivot using UNL's institutional subscription.
Big Ten Academic Alliance: Summer Research Opportunities Program
The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is a gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities. SROP helps prepare undergraduates for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors and enrichment activities. Apply between mid-November to early February annually.
National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates
NSF REU programs consist of approximately 10 undergraduates who work on a specific research project, mentored by faculty and researchers of the host university. An REU Site may be at either a US or foreign location.
REU students receive stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. To be eligible, REU students must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Program deadlines vary; many are in February annually.
Research & Extension Experiences for Undergraduates in Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources & Human Sciences
REEUs provide formal and non-formal educational and experiential learning opportunities for students seeking to gain skills applicable to the food and agricultural sciences. This community of practice enhances student training, research experiences, and career preparation to strengthen the future agricultural workforce.
Pathways to Science
Browse programs and professional development resources for undergraduates -- including 600+ research experiences for undergraduates (REUs), internships, scholarships, and other travel and research opportunities.
Council for Undergraduate Research Student Resources
CUR supports faculty, staff, and students in advancing undergraduate research participation and excellence at the national level. Student resources provided through CUR include research opportunities, presentation opportunities, student journals, and more!