Fund your research

Launch your research journey

Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your project to the next level, University of Idaho’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is here to help. From direct funding and travel grants to a wide range of research opportunities across campus and beyond, OUR connects you with resources to grow as researchers, collaborate with faculty and make an impact.

OUR Research Grants Program

University of Idaho’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) provides direct financial support to help you explore ideas, grow your research skills and share your work with the world. Funding is available for individual projects, summer fellowships and travel to professional conferences.

OUR Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program

Spend 10 weeks in the summer working full-time on a faculty-mentored research or creative project.
SURF is open to undergraduates in all fields of study.

SURF program runs from June through early August, where you’ll receive a $6,500 student
stipend, as well as $1,000 in research support for project expenses such as materials, supplies,
travel, etc

What’s included:

  • $6,500 student stipend
  • $1,000 in research support for project expenses (materials, supplies, travel, etc.)
  • Duration: June through early August

OUR Semester Awards

OUR offers Undergraduate Research Grants of up to $1,000 to support original, student-led research or creative projects across all disciplines.

Applicants must submit a written proposal (including abstract, project description, budget and faculty letter of support) via Qualtrics by Nov. 1 for spring or Apr. 15 for fall funding cycles. Funded projects must follow university research compliance requirements and conclude with a written report and presentation at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Equipment and remaining funds revert to the OUR at the end of the project period.

Apply for semester  or SURF grants

Current students can log into Inside U of I to submit applications.

Apply for grants

OUR travel grants

Travel Grant Applications are accepted Aug. 1 through April 1. Travel must occur during the academic calendar. Travel funds are limited.

The OUR offers a limited number of Travel Grants of up to $800 to U of I undergraduate students to help defray the cost of travel to present results of their research, scholarly or creative activities at a professional conference in their field. This award does not fund salary or other personnel expenses.

Plan ahead for travel

Review eligibility and application details to apply.

Apply for funding

Research opportunities

In addition to OUR’s direct support, you can explore a wide range of campus-based and national research funding opportunities available to University of Idaho students.

Idaho-specific programs

NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium

The Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) offers several opportunities for undergraduates to gain hands-on research experience in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. For more information on ISGC scholarships, fellowships and internships, visit the ISGC website.

U of I campus specific

U of I IHHE-REEU Mini-Grant

The Institute for Health in the Human Ecosystem (IHHE) offers Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) mini-grant awards (and traineeships).

For more information and to apply, visit the IHHE site.

REU Site — Elements of Sustainability

The sustainable chemistry focus of this research experience for undergraduates (REU) site combines a broad cross-section of disciplines attractive to students and critical for future generations and is open to:

  • undergraduate students who have completed at least their first year
  • will not graduate before the program starts
  • who have an interest in sustainability

Participating students from non-research-focused regional community colleges and 4-year institutions may receive preference, but we accept applicants from across the nation. This REU site welcomes a diverse population of applicants from minority and underrepresented groups, including first-generation college students. Underrepresented minority students in science and engineering fields (including women, persons with disabilities, Blacks, Hispanics and American Indians or Alaska Natives) are highly encouraged to apply.

The NSF requires that less than 20% of participants can be from the host institution, so if you are a University of Idaho student, please know that this is extremely competitive for you.

U of I students looking for a site where you will be more competitive are strongly encouraged to check out the NSF REU site list.

Learn more and apply to the Elements of Sustainability program.

Off-campus programs

NSF REU — Find an REU Site

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. REU Sites are based on independent proposals to initiate and conduct projects that engage a number of students in research.

If you have questions, contact undergrad-research@uidaho.edu.