Annual expo offers research connections for UK undergrads

The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) will host the sixth annual Research + Creative Experience Expo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at the Gatton Student Center Social Staircase. The event introduces undergraduates to the diversity of research at UK, allowing students to network with research faculty and staff and learn about mentored research opportunities.

The expo provides a variety of resources and information while bringing research mentors and programs seeking applicants together with interested students to learn about available research opportunities. Representatives from research groups, centers and programs will talk about their work and share information on undergraduate opportunities, including paid summer research fellowship programs.

By pursuing mentored research, UK undergraduates can immerse themselves in projects to gain experiential “hands-on” learning that is translatable to real-world skills. At the expo, students can learn about the upcoming Summer 2026 fellowship cycles and how to prepare to become the strongest possible applicant.

Students from all majors, backgrounds and skill levels are encouraged to attend and talk with faculty, graduate students and undergraduate research ambassadors to learn about available research experiences.

Students are encouraged to review the list of colleges, departments and research centers attending the expo at our.uky.edu/expo_list.

Students seeking assistance with navigating the summer research fellowship application process, such as completing a personal statement and writing a research proposal, can learn about upcoming workshops and drop-in advising at the OUR events page.