There are many different undergraduate research practices, from carrying out, from conception to publication, guided research or creative inquiry projects, to one-off investigations designed to develop specific disciplinary or multidisciplinary skills and techniques.  Undergraduate research  practices vary according to the level of the students, the technical requirements of different disciplines, the particular strategic intents of universities, and local curriculum requirements and constraints. Click here for more information about different types of research

Undergraduate research doesn’t just mean Honours – it affects the whole undergraduate curriculum. Indeed, not only undergraduates but even school children have been known to engage in research.  Although research is still in many areas presented in scholarly journals written for specialists and this is still very important within the academic community particularly where national systems of research assessment require an accumulation of outputs. However, the educated public has an insatiable appetite for different aspects of research through television discovery programs and podcasts and through drama (e.g., forensic pathology, or the lives of historical figures). New types of publication, e.g., electronic and open access journals, recognise the multi-dimensionality of many ideas and focus not on telling but on sharing ideas with a plurality of audiences many of which, it has to be recognised, may not share the same (Western masculinist) assumptions. The use of personal pronouns and reflective narratives is now commonplace. It is within this space that a number of undergraduate research journals and conferences have been established creating opportunities for undergraduates to present their research in a range of contexts.

Students engage in research either through coursework assignments and research internships that form part of the undergraduate curriculum, or they engage in research through special co-curricular programs usually during a summer or winter vacation. Such programs can attract a scholarship or are completed on a voluntary basis. For Australasian examples see copies of URNA

There are many different undergraduate research practices, from carrying out, from conception to publication, guided research or creative inquiry projects, to one-off investigations designed to develop specific disciplinary or multidisciplinary skills and techniques.  Undergraduate research  practices vary according to the level of the students, the technical requirements of different disciplines, the particular strategic intents of universities, and local curriculum requirements and constraints. Click here for more information about different types of research

Many Australian and New Zealand Universities provide opportunities for students to engage in research. Government funding for specific targeted areas of research is directed to universities and research institutes.  Support for ACUR institutional membership and student research conference attendance is dependent on decisions made by individuals within universities specific institutes.  Australasia seriously lags behind other countries in the proportion of undergraduates who have research opportunities.

Many countries across the world provide opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in research or research-based learning. The Cambridge Handbook of Undergraduate Research (Meig et al., 2023), lists twenty-five countries across all continents with significant undergraduate research engagement. Development and implementation of undergraduate research in a number of these countries is driven by Government imperatives and funding. Check your university library for a copy or Link to The Cambridge Handbook of Undergraduate Research

In Australia and New Zealand, unless their coursework includes research-based learning activities, only a minority of undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in research projects. Some universities do not offer vacation  undergraduate research opportunities. This is changing and ACUR works to encourage all universities to engage students in research. Some people in universities  believe that not all students are capable of doing research. There is a need to recognise that all undergraduate research projects require careful scaffolding and mentoring according the demands of the project and the level of the students.  Most often failures to complete projects are due to inappropriate designs or lack of detailed curriculum structures. Click here to find out about the design decisions that need to be taken when thinking about introducing undergraduate research.

The Australian Universities Accord Final Report places a strong emphasis on ensuring that university graduates are equipped with well-developed “generic skills” to enhance their employability. Indeed, the summary to Section 2.2.2.1 states that “in addition to discipline-specific knowledge and technical skills, graduates need the transferable generic skills sought by employers. Australian workers now need to be digitally literate, creative, collaborative, good communicators, and able to solve complex problems” (p84). As noted in the Final Report, “75% of employers consider people skills – communication skills, ability to work in a team and demonstrating initiative – to be at least as important as technical skills” (p83).

Undergraduate research straddles research and teaching because students learn through utilising the strategies and techniques of research.  In some universities, undergraduate research is viewed as a pathway to future research. In others, it is viewed as a means of encouraging student engagement and deep approaches to learning. Many undergraduate research practices exist within undergraduate courses, others exist in special co-curricular schemes within for example, vacations. The highest quality outcomes are achieved when students have a variety of research experiences coordinated throughout their degree. More?

Course teams and individual academics are responsible for implementing undergraduate research experiences both within the curriculum and alongside it. The ACUR Website contains numerous resources for academics and professional staff wanting to introduce or amend undergraduate research practice. If you or your university is not a member, you can still search our resources for ideas, artifacts and suggestions. If you or your university is a member, you have available to you additional resources and consultancy advice. If you don’t find what you need, contact the ACUR administrator.

Absolutely! The ACUR Website contains numerous resources for academics and professional staff wanting to introduce or amend undergraduate research practice. If you or your university is not a member, you can still search our resources for ideas, artifacts and suggestions. If you or your university is a member, you have available to you additional resources and consultancy advice. If you don’t find what you need, contact the ACUR administrator.

Many universities emphasise student engagement, participation, and inquiry, and initiatives such as students as partners, work integrated learning, and industry-based projects. These initiatives represent a range of intersecting practises with their own advocates and communities. Trying to encourage universities to implement undergraduate research has to be seen within the context of these other initiatives. In the 2^nd ACUR colloquium  in 2023 we asked: how can our different approaches be brought together to create a higher education that truly inspires students, engages them,  and which prepares them for the post-pandemic challenges of living and working? It became evident in the Colloquium that new approaches to undergraduate education can come about through cross fertilisation of ideas and networks. Click here for more information about the Colloquium and the issues discussed?

You can search our resources section to find a number of helpful artifacts, suggestions and ideas that you can use in your teaching. You can also search for useful websites and references on undergraduate research. If you have a resource that you would like to disseminate to others, you can add it to the website resources. The website uses a peer review process to ensure the quality of resources, so you won’t see yours immediately. If you add a resource, make sure we know about it by emailing the ACUR administrator so we can carry out the peer review process and make yours public.  Go to Resources

Capstone units provide an opportunity for students to consolidate their prior learning, by integrating what students have learnt through earlier units in order to develop their graduate capabilities.  There are a number of useful resources on the ACUR website specifically addressed to helping with the design and implementation of Capstones. You will find these here

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The Australasian Council for Undergraduate Research (ACUR) is an independent not-for-profit membership organisation incorporated in New South Wales, Australia. More?

Yes. Anyone and any organisation with an interest in undergraduate research and its development can join ACUR.  Link to memberships pages

Institutional membership is available to all universities and organisations promoting undergraduate research in Australasia. The logos of current institutional members are recognised on the ACUR website. As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on institutional membership fees to support ACUR events and day-to-day operational costs. Link to logos

Individual membership confers a number of benefits:

• ACUR conferences, events and resources provide you with opportunities to develop your knowledge of how to introduce or extend student learning and assessment through research-based learning;
• ACUR contributes resources and ideas about undergraduate research and research-based learning, to utilise in course design and development;
• ACUR provides opportunities to view and discuss the work of students from other institutions and countries;
• ACUR provides online and face-to-face networking opportunities through various events and regular communication about new developments;
• ACUR membership contributes networking opportunities that extend awareness of how to prepare students for professional life when knowledge is uncertain and the future is unclear;
• ACUR provides resources to enhance development of students’ employability skills including critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• ACUR conferences provide a structured process for people wishing to introduce research-based units of study culminating in an international conference presentation.
• Members-only area of website and a Discussion Forum, a place to advertise undergraduate research opportunities, and access to Undergraduate Research strategic resources.
  
  The membership subscription entitles you to:
  
• receive all ACUR communication and access to resources such as publications, guides to enhance practice in undergraduate research etc.;
• vote in annual general meetings;
• be nominated for election to an executive position;
• attend the annual ACUR conference and the ACUR AGM (on payment of the delegate fee);
• to attend other ACUR events (colloquia, seminars etc., on payment of a reduced fee.

The membership subscription entitles your institution to:

• receive and distribute all ACUR communication, and for all staff to gain access to resources such as publications, guides and pedagogical artifacts to enhance practice in undergraduate research;
• free attendance for two delegates at ACUR colloquia, seminars etc; (excludes ACUR student Conferences where delegate fee must be paid);
• Representation on the ACUR Steering Committee by institutional nominees chosen by your institution;
• up to three votes at annual general meetings;
• nominate representatives for election to an Executive position.
• elect students to participate in Posters in Parliament and other high profile events.
• consultancy, and networking on undergraduate research implementation and evaluation.
• access to members’ only area of website including discussion forum, resources for strategic development, research, undergraduate research opportunities and much more.

Find out how ACUR is organised and who’s involved in its organisation here . You can also see profiles of individuals here

Institutions, and individuals including students who join as members provide the majority of funding for ACUR. Members of the ACUR Executive Committee work voluntarily supported by their institutions. Sponsorship is a growing source of funding.

Yes. We provide networking opportunities for staff through other events including meetings and colloquia for supervisors, academics and university managers to exchange good practice, share ideas and resources; and extend knowledge of how to strengthen undergraduate research and research-based learning. Colloquium programs, materials, resources including photos and videos provide useful resources are available on the website.

2nd ACUR Exchange Colloquium 1st February 2023, Notre Dame University, Sydney. Creating Career-Ready Graduates: The Role of Undergraduate Research

1st ACUR Exchange Colloquium 4th December 2019, The University of Sydney. Undergraduate Research Exchange: A Colloquium for supervisors, academics and university managers.

ACUR is an independent not-for-profit organisation incorporated in New South Wales so it doesn’t belong to anyone. Amongst its members are universities but it doesn’t belong to any one of them.

ACUR is principally funded through Membership subscriptions and through sponsorship.

The logos of current institutional members are recognised on the ACUR website. As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on institutional membership fees to support ACUR events and day-to-day operational costs.

ACUR’s sponsors are principally Australasian universities, and other academic societies the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia,  and individual donors.

• How does ACUR sponsorship align with corporate core values and funding 
• What PR is ACUR going to employ in conferences
• What is the media coverage
• Will sponsorship fee be tax deductible
• Is there a networking event in the conference for corporate sponsors to attend and showcase/network with others 

• Yes, you can certainly become an ACUR  supporter. Sponsorship opportunities typically involve partnering with ACUR to support our events, services and initiatives.
• You can sponsor our Conferences by supporting their overall organization or specific activities like student travel costs, prizes,  and gifts for keynote speakers.
• General Donations help ACUR deliver events and resources, such as development colloquia for academic supervisors and teaching resources
• We welcome contributions in various forms,  so if you would you like more information on any specific sponsorship option or if you have some ideas about ways to help us,  just email admin@acur.org.au

Sponsoring the Australasian Council for Undergraduate Research (ACUR) offers several benefits:

1. Visibility and Branding: Your brand will be prominently displayed at ACUR events, on their website, and in promotional materials, increasing your visibility among academic institutions and students across Australasia.
2. Networking Opportunities: You’ll have the chance to connect with academic leaders, researchers, and students, fostering relationships that could lead to future collaborations and partnerships.
3. Supporting Education and Research: By sponsoring ACUR, you’re directly contributing to the development of undergraduate research, helping to nurture the next generation of researchers and innovators.
4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Sponsorship demonstrates your commitment to supporting education and research, enhancing your company’s CSR profile and reputation.
5. Access to Talent: Engaging with ACUR provides access to a pool of talented students and researchers, which can be beneficial for recruitment and internships.
6. Positive Publicity: Your support for educational initiatives can generate positive media coverage and goodwill among stakeholders and the community.

Would you like more details on how to get started with sponsoring ACUR?

Great! Here are the steps to get started with sponsoring the Australasian Council for Undergraduate Research (ACUR):

1. Visit the ACUR Website: Go to the ACUR website to explore the different sponsorship opportunities and understand their specific needs.
2. Contact ACUR: Reach out to ACUR directly through their contact form or email. You can find their contact details on the website. Introduce yourself and express your interest in sponsorship.
3. Discuss Sponsorship Options: Have a conversation with ACUR representatives to discuss the various sponsorship options available. They can provide detailed information on how your support can be utilized and the benefits you will receive.
4. Choose Your Sponsorship Level: Decide on the level of sponsorship that aligns with your goals and budget. This could range from supporting specific events to making general donations.
5. Formalize the Agreement: Once you have agreed on the terms, you will likely need to sign a sponsorship agreement outlining the details of your contribution and the benefits you will receive.
6. Promote Your Sponsorship: Work with ACUR to ensure your sponsorship is promoted effectively. This might include having your logo displayed at events, mentions in promotional materials, and opportunities to speak or present at ACUR events.
7. Engage with the Community: Take advantage of networking opportunities and engage with the ACUR community. Attend events, participate in discussions, and build relationships with students and academics.

If you need any help with specific contact details or further information, email: admin@acur.org.au!

All ACUR Conferences are well organised high quality multi-disciplinary, international events.

All ACUR Conference presentations undergo a rigourous peer review process by both disciplinary and generalist experts.

ACUR conferences provide students with the opportunity to present their research to an audience of their peers in a safe and supportive environment

ACUR Conferences are face-to face events with numerous opportunities for networking beyond the confines of student’s institution or discipline,

Student participants come from different states and territories in Australia and New Zealand and elsewhere.

Many ACUR conferences include professional and research development workshops specifically designed for undergraduate students.

ACUR Conferences connect students with future employers.

Many universities have their own university conference and then send the best to the international ACUR Conference.

ACUR conferences are fun!

What students say

All ACUR Conferences are well organised high quality multi-disciplinary, international events.

All ACUR Conference presentations undergo a rigourous peer review process by both disciplinary and generalist experts.

ACUR conferences provide students with the opportunity to present their research to an audience of their peers in a safe and supportive environment

ACUR Conferences are face-to face events with numerous opportunities for networking beyond the confines of student’s institution or discipline,

Student participants come from different states and territories in Australia and New Zealand and elsewhere.

Many ACUR conferences include professional and research development workshops specifically designed for undergraduate students.

ACUR Conferences connect students with future employers.

Many universities have their own university conference and then send the best to the international ACUR Conference.

ACUR conferences are fun!

What students say

The ability to critically evaluate evidence, to differentiate and evaluate different types, levels and sources of evidence, and to write critically and creatively have always been important. But in the GenAI world they become centre stage. Such capabilities are known to be developed when students undertake various forms of research and inquiry. Undertaking research is of benefit whatever students do when they graduate but is often confined to elite students who are expected to progress to higher degrees. The GenAI environment suggests that all students should have a range of research experiences throughout their degree.

Finding an undergraduate research project can be an exciting journey! Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Identify Your Interests: Think about the subjects or topics that fascinate you the most. This will help you narrow down potential research areas¹.
2. Talk to Professors: Reach out to your professors or academic advisors. They can provide guidance and may know of available research opportunities¹.
3. Explore University Resources: Many universities have dedicated offices or programs for undergraduate research. Check your university’s website for information on how to get involved².
4. Network with Peers: Talk to fellow students who are already involved in research. They can share their experiences and tips on how to find a project¹.
5. Look for Research Programs: Some universities and institutions offer structured research programs, such as summer internships or fellowships³.
6. Contact Faculty Directly: If you find a professor whose research interests align with yours, don’t hesitate to send them an email expressing your interest and asking about potential opportunities¹.

Would you like more detailed advice on any of these steps? Contact the ACUR student Committee headsc@acur.org.au

ACUR is an inclusive community. Students are integral to the organisation, management and day to day activities of ACUR. Want to know more?

We provide a home for all areas of research. Undergraduates engage in research in all disciplines and are well represented in multi and trans disciplinary research. In Australasia, every ACUR conference sees a wide spectrum of research from multiple disciplinary areas. Collectively, a vast array of academic research interests is represented. See page 6 of Issue 25 in the ACUR Newsletter to find out more.