Applications for UK Libraries Award for Undergraduate Research open through March 24
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 9, 2026) — Every spring, UK Libraries awards two $1,000 prizes to recognize and celebrate exceptional, original scholarship by undergraduates whose research projects make substantive and creative use of UK Libraries’ collections, services and resources.
The deadline for the 2026 UK Libraries Award for Undergraduate Research is 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, March 24.
Undergraduate students who have completed research papers or media projects utilizing library materials between the Fall 2024 and Spring 2026 semesters are encouraged to apply for the award.
To be eligible for the award, applicants should submit the following materials by Tuesday, March 24:
- a completed application cover sheet and checklist
- a project abstract (250-300 words)
- a reflective essay on the research process, including use of library resources (750-1,000 words)
- a final version of the project including a complete bibliography in a standard publication style consistent with the discipline
- a supporting statement from a faculty sponsor (faculty of record of the credit-bearing course in which the project was completed, or the faculty mentor who oversaw the project)
Each recipient will receive a $1,000 award and be honored along with their faculty sponsor at the annual UK Libraries Spring Celebration event.
Explore winning submissions in UKnowledge and view complete award details.
If you have questions about the award, email libdeansaward@l.uky.edu.
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.