News and Spotlights

UK Office of Undergraduate Research marks 25 years of student discovery, impact

Students launch UK’s 3rd edition of undergrad research journal

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 22, 2026) — Undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky who participate in research under the guidance of faculty mentors have the opportunity to publish and broadly share the outcomes of their work and collaborative experiences. The third edition of Aperture Journal of Undergraduate Research (AJUR) is now available and highlights the projects of 15 student-professor partnerships.

6 students selected as 2026 Sustainability Summer Research Fellows

Six University of Kentucky undergraduates have been selected for the Sustainability Summer Research Fellowship, a program that supports student-led projects that advance sustainable practices and community impact through research.

11 students awarded CURE Fellowships

The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) has announced the 11 students selected for the 2026 Commonwealth Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) Fellowship program.

5 UK faculty honored for excellence in undergraduate research mentoring

Five University of Kentucky faculty members received the 2026 Excellent Undergraduate Research Mentor Award for their exceptional leadership and support of student researchers. 

4 students named Excellent Undergraduate Research Ambassadors

Every year, the University of Kentucky’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) selects a new cohort of Undergraduate Research Ambassadors — a group of outstanding students who serve as advocates for undergraduate research at UK.

2026-27 Undergraduate Research Ambassador application now open

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 18, 2026) — Applications are being accepted for University of Kentucky Undergraduate Research Ambassadors for the 2026-27 school year. Organized by the UK Office of Undergraduate Research, the Ambassadors program is a leadership opportunity for undergraduates who are passionate about promoting undergraduate research at UK and helping other undergraduates find their path.

48 UK undergrads to present at national research conference

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 5, 2026) — Forty-eight University of Kentucky students will present their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) on April 13-15 in Richmond, Virginia. NCUR is one of the largest events in the United States for undergraduate students to share their academic work with peers, faculty and professionals.

Summer opportunities for UK undergraduate researchers

Conducting research during the summer can be a transformative experience for undergraduate students as they put their skills to the test in labs, fields, library collections, art studios and on stage. With support from University of Kentucky colleges and centers, the Office of the Vice President for Research, and the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), new opportunities allow undergraduate students to pursue hands-on research projects this summer.

4 UK undergraduates to present at Posters-at-the-Capitol

Four University of Kentucky undergraduate researchers will present their work at the 24th annual Posters-at-the-Capitol on March 5.