Resources for Students
The OUR strives to help UK students' development as scholars who are research and career ready. Below are some helpful resources and guides as you embark upon your research journey.
Research Starts Here
Discover undergraduate research opportunities today! Explore the research and creative scholarship opportunities available at UK, nationally, and internationally.
Research Rookies Skills Training
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is pleased to offer students resources to professional development and career training in research. As such, OUR's Research Rookies Skills Training serves to inform and empower students with research training and skills to become research ready.
Research Poster Templates
- Free collection of easy to use and customize PowerPoint research poster templates. Both modern and traditional templates available.
Free Poster Printing for Undergrads
Are you presenting at a conference and need your research poster printed?
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is pleased to provide this service to the UK undergraduate community. We will print ONE student research poster free-of-charge per semester, if you are accepted to present your research at a professional conference, program or event.
Lab Safety
Lab Research
Some research trainees (i.e. grad students / postdocs who work in a research lab) may still be required to come into their lab each day. Lab policies and procedures have changed due to COVID-19.
UK Research: COVID-19 Guidance for Researchers
EHS Safety Training
The University requires safety training classes to be completed before beginning certain types of work. These requirements apply to all individuals involved in the covered work, including students. Students will meet with their mentor to determine which safety trainings are required.
Research Ethics
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
UK Office of Research Integrity (ORI) - CITI Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training
The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) module is the most general one and is required for all students working on a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project. All students are welcome to complete any of the trainings to receive a certificate of completion. It is highly recommended for any student conducting independent research, working as a research assistant or on a grant funded project complete at least the RCR training.
To access the training, you will need to register and create a username and password. The training consists of ten modules which take about 20 minutes each. There are several multiple choice questions at the end of each module which you need to answer 80% correctly to pass.
For detailed instructions on how to login in to the CITI website and access the CITI modules follow this link.
What is an IRB?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding the University of Kentucky Institutional Review Board (IRB)
What is Research Misconduct?
The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) supports the institution in its efforts to promote ethical conduct of research. The ORI provides educational materials and lectures to assist in educating faculty, staff, and students on federal, state, and local rules and regulations in the area of ethical research conduct.
UK Libraries Resources
Library Resources & Digital Research Assistance
How do I start my research paper if I can’t go to the library?
Librarians are available to assist students daily via chat (Ask Us) and email (refdesk@uky.edu). Zoom consultations may also be scheduled.
Library chat hours have been extended:
Monday–Thursday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Additionally, librarians maintain a number of popular course guides and a variety of subject area research guides that can help you gather the information you need to develop research topics and complete your coursework successfully.
Academic Liaisons by Subject
Your Academic Liaison is available to provide assistance with your teaching, research, and library collection needs.
Inspiration Station
Explore UK Undergraduate Research. Projects are selected from the annual Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars.
Research Data Management
Resources and information to help you get started with data management, data preservation, and data sharing.
Research Guides
Research guides prepared by USC librarians are now easier than ever to find through the UK Libraries' Quick Search service.
UKnowledge
UKnowledge is a digital collection of unique scholarship created by UK faculty, staff, students, departments, research centers and administration.
Communicating Science
Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Literature Review
A Brief Guide To Writing Your First Scientific Manuscript
Writing a Strong Abstract
Go to How to Write a Scientific Abstract
Abstracts should:
1. Clearly state the central research question and/or purpose of the project.
2. Provide brief, relevant scholarly or research context (no actual citations required) that demonstrate its attempt to make a unique contribution to the area of inquiry.
3. Provide a brief description of the research methodology.
4. State conclusions or expected results and the context in which they will be discussed.
5. Include text only (no images or graphics)
6. Be well-written and well-organized.
Works Cited
Research and Citation Resources
Resources for Conducting and Using Research
Citing Sources in a Research Paper - APA Format
Citing Sources in a Research Paper - MLA Format
Have a Question?
Have a question? Visit our FAQ page for answers to some of the most common questions about undergraduate research at UK. If you need additional assistance, we're just an email or phone call away!
View Frequently Asked Questions
