23rd Annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Fair
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Adler Athletic Complex
Abstract submissions are being accepted through Saturday, March 15.
About the Fair
The Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Fair (URCAF) allows students to present the culmination of their work from a traditional research/creative activities experience, an internship, or a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE). Students may present their work in different formats, including poster and oral presentations, performances, and exhibitions. All student presentations will be entered for disciplinary awards. At the time of abstract submission, students will also have the option to sign up to compete for the Penn State University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award and the Sustainability Award.
Abstract submissions will be accepted through March 15 at midnight via the abstract submission portal.
Submissions may be made in the following categories:
- Arts and Humanities
- Behavioral Sciences
- Business
- Computing/Information Technology
- Engineering
- Health and Life Sciences
- Internships
- Mathematics
- Nursing
- Physical Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Visual and Performing Arts
Featuring:
Penn State University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award
The University Libraries support undergraduate research by ensuring the students have access to academic journals, books, and other outside sources they need to be successful. We recognize outstanding student work through The University Libraries Undergraduate Research Award. Judging will prioritize and rank projects that showcase accomplished and exemplary information literacy skills.
Sustainability Award
The Sustainability Award will be presented to the student research or activity that directly addresses one or more of the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Judging will prioritize and rank projects that show creative or novel approaches toward one or more goals, have the potential to raise awareness about sustainability issues or have the potential to positively impact and improve existing sustainability interventions. Applicants should include a sentence in their abstract identifying which sustainability goal is most relevant and any secondarily relevant to their project.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Award
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms, including in the research context. Judging will prioritize student research projects that directly address DEIB or projects that concern disparities in groups defined by Penn State’s non-discrimination policy: age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or political ideas. This is not a monetary award.
For more information, contact Lara LaDage, Undergraduate Research Coordinator, at [email protected].