Student Research

Research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students are available in all of our scientific disciplines. Graduate students registered in PhD or Thesis-Based MSc programs are active contributors to the University's research activites. Bachelor of Science Honours students also have research activities as part of their academic program. Additional research opportunities for undergraduate students are available and some of these are listed below.

NSERC USRA

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) provides Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA), which allow students to experience and explore research in a laboratory. These awards are meant to encourage students to pursue graduate studies and eventually, a research career. These awards are typically held in the Spring/Summer semester, but may also be held in either the Fall or Winter semesters, and generally require a 4 month commitment. At the U of R, the USRA program is managed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research (click here to view the U of R USRA information).

FGSR UGRA

The U of R Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research also offers Undergraduate Research Awards.

Research Employment

Many Science academic staff members hire students to assist them with their research, especially during the Spring/Summer semester; keep an eye out for ads posted around the Faculty. As well, there are frequently science-related summer job opportunities available outside of universities, including with private companies and government agencies.  Start looking early (e.g. January) and you don’t necessarily have to wait for an ad to appear.  As well, the U of R’s Student Employment Services maintains a list of job opportunities.