Research@KU

Undergraduate Assistantship Fund Supports Student Research

University of Kansas faculty research important issues in our society, whether it's studying predicators of gambling, AIDS education in Africa, or Huntington's disease. 

Thanks to a new KU program, they can hire undergraduates to work along with them.

The Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA) Fund provides KU faculty with matching funds to hire undergraduate research assistants.  For the past year, over 70 faculty have used over $126,000 to hire 74 students to do research.

"Involving undergraduates in research is a part of KU's core mission" said Jim Roberts, vice provost for research.  "Its part of the education process for undergraduates; for most disciplines, it provides graduate students an opportunity to mentor; and it gives the faculty teaching opportunities outside the classroom."  "For many individuals, including myself, it is the start toward a career in research."

The fund is made available through a partnership between the Provost's Office and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR).

"The Undergraduate Research Assistantship Fund is an important part of the overall effort to elevate the awareness and importance of undergraduate research," said John Augusto, research training coordinator.

The list of Spring 2007 awards are available on the OVPR Web site.