Call for submissions: 2025 Oswald Research and Creativity Competition
The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is now accepting submissions for the 61st annual Oswald Research and Creativity Competition.
Established in 1964 by then-President John Oswald, the Oswald Research and Creativity Competition encourages undergraduate research and creative activities across all fields of study.
Students can enter projects in the competition under the following submission categories:
- Biological Sciences
- Design (architecture, landscape architecture and interior design)
- Fine Arts (film, music, painting, sculpture and video)
- Humanities: Creative
- Humanities: Critical Research
- Physical and Engineering Sciences
- Social Sciences
Submissions in the design and fine arts categories will be exhibited at the Lucille Caudill Little Fine Arts Library Nov. 10-13.
Eligibility
Full-time or part-time current UK undergraduates are encouraged to submit their work.
Students may submit multiple projects across various categories, but they may only enter one project per category (e.g., a report in biological sciences and a photo project in fine arts).
Selection, recognition and awards
Entries will be anonymously evaluated by faculty reviewers in relevant fields, based on a set rubric. Judging criteria include originality, clarity of expression, scholarly or artistic contribution and the overall validity, scope and depth of the project. View previous winning submissions here.
Fourteen cash awards will be distributed, with first-place winners receiving $350 and second-place winners $200. Awards will be announced during an award ceremony on Nov. 13 from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Lucille Caudill Little Fine Arts Library.
The deadline to submit is 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.
View more details on the competition and access the submission form here.
About the Office of Undergraduate Research
Founded in 2000, the Office of Undergraduate Research serves as a central hub for student research, scholarship and creative inquiry across all academic fields. The OUR’s mission is to serve as a central resource to promote and expand experiential learning for undergraduate students through research experiences with skilled research mentors.
