Today the University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research launches a new portal in partnership with software developers ForagerOne that will facilitate connections between research faculty and aspiring undergraduate, graduate and postdoc researchers.

Developed with support from the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Office of the Provost, the new portal will connect students and faculty for integrative learning opportunities in all disciplines across campus and enable faculty to strengthen their research teams. 

“This partnership with ForagerOne will establish stronger connections between our research faculty, accelerating discovery in their fields of study, and our outstanding student population. These connections will help forge mentorships to establish the next generation of researchers who will solve the toughest problems facing our Commonwealth and the world,” said UK Vice President for Research Lisa Cassis.

Provost Robert DiPaola said, “The face of sponsored research at the University of Kentucky is changing at a rapid pace, but we want to communicate and strengthen bonds between the research enterprise and provide greater opportunities to our students, the next generation of researchers. This portal will provide unparalleled connectivity between our researchers and students and allow for both groups of users to explore new collaborations, allow for fresh perspectives and ignite new insights into the research process.”

ForagerOne streamlines and standardizes how students look for university-affiliated research opportunities and simplifies messaging to connect students and mentors outside of the classroom.

UK faculty and students can start using ForagerOne in three easy steps:

Faculty

1. Claim your profile. Faculty profile information is auto populated from Scholars@UK. Log in with your linkblue username and password.
2. Promote research opportunities. Customize projects (paid, academic credit, volunteer) and engage with students for potential mentorship opportunities.
3. Connect with students. Indicate to students if you’re currently recruiting. Search student profiles by keyword, level (undergraduate, graduate and postdoc), major, and message students within the platform.

Students

1. Sign up. Select University of Kentucky and log in with your linkblue username and password.
2. Create your profile. Select “Student Account” and add your information and research interests.
3. Explore opportunities. Select “Search Faculty” and filter by keywords, disciplines or recruiting status. 

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Research Ambassadors will offer hands-on demonstrations of ForagerOne at the Gatton Student Center 9-11 a.m., Feb. 13, 15 and 16, and at the OUR office, 211 Funkhouser Building, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Feb. 13-17.

Learn more about ForagerOne at our.uky.edu/ForagerOne.