Call for proposals: Commonwealth Undergraduate Research Experience Fellowship
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2026) — The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research is accepting proposals for the 2026 Commonwealth Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) Fellowship.
Established in 2022, the CURE Fellowship offers UK undergraduate students the opportunity to participate in mentored research projects focused on critical issues impacting Kentucky’s health, well-being and future. Sponsored by the UK Office of Undergraduate Research and Research Priority Areas, fellows gain hands-on experience in key research areas aligned with the university’s strategic goals.
“This research experience has been one of the most impactful parts of my undergraduate education, allowing me to apply concepts I’ve learned in the classroom to real world scientific investigation,” said Jimmie Locker, a biology junior in the College of Arts and Sciences and 2025 CURE fellow. “I strengthened my technical skills in experimental design, data analysis and problem-solving, while also developing the perseverance and adaptability needed in research. It has reinforced my passion for science and deepened my understanding of how biomedical research can translate into improving patient care.”
The CURE Fellowship aims to support students in developing research skills while addressing pressing issues in Kentucky. It provides valuable mentorship, professional development and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, solution-oriented research.
Fellows will conduct research within one of the following Research Priority Areas: cancer, cardiovascular health, neuroscience and substance use disorder. Students can explore which RPA their faculty mentor’s research aligns with on Scholars@UK.
The fellowship provides a $5,000 stipend and is open to UK undergraduate students whose projects align with these areas. The application deadline is 11:55 p.m. March 1. The fellowship runs during the Summer 2026 term.
More information about the application process and requirements can be found at our.uky.edu/CURE-Fellowship.
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.