Enhancing your academics
Get a premier education at one of Canada’s leading research universities
Undergraduate research opportunities
With $545 million in sponsored research funding in 2023, UCalgary provides many students the opportunity to gain valuable research experience while helping overcome some of society's greatest challenges.
Over the past 30 years, UCalgary has had 2,200+ invention disclosures leading to 901 patents, 549
revenue-generating agreements and 92 university-generated startups.
Research themes
We're making a positive difference in the world through our key research themes. You can be part of that too. Learn more about our research focus.
Get ready for research
The Ready for Research micro-credential will prepare you to confidently participate in research within your undergraduate studies. It consists of 10 synchronous and asynchronous online modules, allowing you to choose between various learning activities to match your personal interests. Participating in this badge will help you discover undergraduate research opportunities on campus and create a plan to get involved with the research you are truly passionate about, enriching your undergraduate experience.
Fund your research
The Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) and the Alberta Innovates Summer Research Studentships are two examples of programs dedicated to giving undergraduate students research experience. In these programs, students work alongside researchers to learn how projects are developed and how research can contribute to solving our world's greatest challenges.
Students making discoveries
Meet some of the many UCalgary students helping create new and meaningful knowledge through research.
Ibadat Warring, BSc (Honours) in Biological Sciences
Ibadat is in biological sciences (honours) and is a researcher at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI). She has presented her research at HBI's Summer Symposium, Mathison Centre and the Canadian Conference on Dementia. She's pursuing dementia research, and has "conducted multiple analyses looking at alcohol use with symptoms of impulse dyscontrol, a systemic review and meta-analysis on agitation/aggression in dementia patients, and mild-behavioural impairment and quality of life." Ibadat also founded the South Asian Senior Support Group.
Nick Basillio, BSc in Kinesiology
For Nick, doing an undergraduate research summer studentship was just as much about healing as the academic skills he gained. “It’s not easy," he explains. "There were times when I felt my story wasn’t valid. I had imposter syndrome most of the summer. But, as long as you remember what your purpose was for the research and why you’re doing it in the first place, that’s what shows in your research."
Chelsea Wong, BSc in Psychology
"I have done research all four years of my undergraduate degree in psychology," she says. "This past year, I did my own independent project and that was a lot of work, but it was very worth it. I was looking at the impact of circadian rhythms on stress in mice. I never worked with animals before and I have a very special interest in sleeping circadian rhythms. After I took a course with my supervisor that kind of just led me down this whole path that I never really thought I would be taking."
Bring your ideas to life
Entrepreneurial thinking is being creative in finding innovative solutions. It involves taking initiative, exchanging knowledge across disciplines, being resourceful and learning from experience.
As one of Canada’s top research universities, we provide extensive opportunities for students to engage in transformative research, from exploring the mysteries of the quantum world to addressing real-world challenges. Read below to learn how you can bring your ideas to life at UCalgary.
Makerspaces
Located across our campus, our Makerspaces offer a dynamic environment where you can bring your ideas to life. With access to cutting-edge technology — including laser cutters, milling machines, sewing and embroidery equipment, sound studios, and Raspberry Pi computers — you’ll have everything you need to turn your creative visions into reality.
Learn more about LabNext MakerSpace for all students
Learn more about the Schulich School of Engineering's Makerspaces