Current Student Opportunities

Empowering Creativity, Celebrating Achievement

Welcome students! The Undergraduate Research, Arts and Design Network is dedicated to bringing you more opportunities to create and showcase amazing scholarly work. Check back often to learn about exciting programs, courses and other opportunities.

Hulsman Undergraduate Library Research Award

Application workshops
January 30, 11 am - 12 pm
February 5, 3 pm - 4 pm

The Jim and Mary Lois Hulsman Undergraduate Library Research Award program recognizes excellence in undergraduate research that incorporates the use of University Libraries resources and demonstrates sophisticated information literacy skills.

Student award winners receive a cash prize – $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place, $200 for 3rd place – and recognition for their outstanding efforts. Applications are submitted online via the UNM Digital Repository and are due Feb 16. Visit the website for more details.

UPN (Undergraduate Pathways Network)

Applications due February 1, 2026

The UNMHSC Undergraduate Pathways Network (UPN) program is an umbrella program that brings together undergraduates conducting summer biomedical research across the UNMHSC campus with the goal of cultivating students' interest in research while helping them attain skills needed to apply for and succeed in post-baccalaureate education. The program provides the opportunity for approximately 50 scholars to choose from several areas of research at the University of New Mexico's Health Sciences Center.  The UPN Program period covers 10 weeks in the summer and scholars participate in the program full time (35-40 hr/wk). The program awards each scholar a summer experience package, which includes housing, tuition, activity fees, some meals, and a $6000 research stipend. Visit the website to learn more and apply by 2/1.

PREP (Postbaccalauraete Research Education Program)

Applications due February 6, 2026

PREP@UNM is an NIH-funded post-baccalaureate education program, designed to enhance the ability of individuals in the biomedical sciences to gain entry to and succeed in nationally-recognized PhD programs and research careers. PREP is intended for individuals who have recently earned a bachelor's degree but need additional laboratory research experience or other education to improve their credentials for entering graduate school. We consider all applications, and encourage individuals from all identity groups in the sciences to apply. Visit their website for more information and to apply

2026 National Research Conference at Brown University

Start Date: Applications due February 21, 2026 (early consideration due January 21)

The second annual National Undergraduate Research Conference at Brown University isscheduled for April 4th, 2026! We are inviting projects from any STEM field, such as but not limited to those in biology, chemistry, physics, public health, engineering, clinical research, behavioral sciences, and computational applications.

The conference will be hosted on Brown University's campus in Providence, RI, bringing together 200 talented students from across the nation. This conference will serve as an opportunity to secure yourself a conference poster or oral presentation to demonstrate your research excellence, which is critical in your applications to medical school, graduate school, and beyond. This year's keynote will feature Dr. Harvey Alter, the 2020 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine. Abstracts will be reviewed on a rolling basis with limited spots available (200 poster presentations and 20-30 oral presentations). Submit your application by 1/21 for early consideration or 2/21 here.