Summer opportunities for UK undergraduate researchers
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 26, 2026) — 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.
The Office of Undergraduate Research supports two fellowship programs and connects students with more on- and off-campus summer research opportunities.
“This experience gave me the opportunity to spend extended time in the lab, where I not only developed technical skills but also strengthened my ability to communicate, present myself professionally and network effectively,” said Susma Sah, biology junior and a 2025 Commonwealth Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) Fellow. “I learned to deliver oral presentations, create physical posters and present them confidently. Together, these experiences have shaped me into a more well-rounded individual, someone who excels not only in the academic sphere but also in the interpersonal and professional aspects of life.”
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships provide undergraduates with the opportunity to study while conducting intensive, self-directed research or creative work under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
Application deadlines are quickly approaching with many closing on March 1.
In addition to CURE, OUR offers the Sustainability Summer Research Fellowships.
Programs offered by colleges across UK include:
- UK Physics: Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates
- UK AARTS: All Access Research Training Scholars Program
- Markey Science Training in Research, Oncology, Networking and professional Growth Scholars Program
- Undergraduate Research Experience In Environmental Health Sciences Program
- Appalachian Career Training in Oncology
See more summer fellowships for undergraduate students on the OUR website.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.