Enhancing your academics
Get a premier education at one of Canada’s top 5 research universities
Undergraduate research opportunities
At UCalgary, students are driven to make meaningful impact. As Canada’s youngest top research university, we offer opportunities to take part in groundbreaking projects — from water sustainability with local communities to tracking space data with NASA.
With more than half a billion dollars in research funding, UCalgary is creating real solutions. We've launched more than 90 startups in the past five years — more than any other Canadian university.
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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.
Emily, BSc (Honours) in Biomechanics
Emily is a biomechanics student whose undergraduate research journey spans wearable tech to space science. Her first summer project, funded by NSERC, explored how commercial devices like Garmin can predict lifestyle changes in older adults — sparking her interest in machine learning and data science. The next summer, supported by the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, she worked with NASA-affiliated researchers to predict bone health in astronauts during long-duration spaceflight. Both experiences were hands-on, allowing Emily to lead projects, collaborate with graduate students and explore academic life. These opportunities confirmed her desire to pursue a master’s in biomedical engineering and helped her secure competitive placements — including a research internship with Adidas in Germany.
Abdu, BSc in Neuroscience
Abdu is a neuroscience student from Ethiopia researching ALS at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. His work explores cellular pathways and gene expression in patients with ALS, aiming to understand the mechanisms behind the rapid neurodegeneration the disease causes. He’s passionate about connecting scientific research with human impact, noting that his work helps address a condition that profoundly affects patients and their families. His interest in neurodegenerative diseases led him to UCalgary, where early exposure to research helped shape his career goals. With plans to pursue graduate studies and eventually lead his own lab, Abdu says UCalgary’s mentorship, funding support and accessible faculty have been key to his success.
Teagan, BSc in Biological Sciences (Minor in International Indigenous Studies)
Teagan, a Tahltan student born and raised on Treaty 7 territory, is passionate about bridging Indigenous knowledge and Western science. Through a Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) award, she conducted land-based research with the Elbow River Watershed Partnership, focusing on how Indigenous ways of knowing can be integrated into environmental education and outreach programs. Her work included ecosystem monitoring, water-based education and community engagement. Teagan’s project was rooted in her own journey of cultural reconnection, and she credits undergraduate research with helping her find belonging in both academia and her Indigenous identity. Her experience has shaped her path forward — and inspired her to advocate for more Indigenous voices in science.
Turn ideas into impact
Entrepreneurial thinking means more than starting a business — it’s about solving problems in bold, creative ways. At UCalgary, we encourage students to take initiative, think across disciplines, adapt with resilience and learn through action.
As one of Canada’s leading research universities, we offer hands-on opportunities to turn your curiosity into meaningful contributions — whether you're exploring the quantum realm or tackling today’s most pressing global issues.
Explore below to see how you can bring your ideas to life through research, innovation and real-world experience at UCalgary.
Makerspaces
Located across campus, our Makerspaces offer an innovative space to bring your ideas to life. With access to cutting-edge technology, including laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC machines, woodshop tools, sound studios, electronics workbenches and Raspberry Pi computers, you’ll have the tools to turn your creative visions into reality. These spaces provide the perfect environment for hands-on learning, allowing you to prototype, design and tackle real-world challenges.
Learn more about LabNext MakerSpace for all students
Learn more about the Schulich School of Engineering's Makerspaces
Explore your world
Earn credits towards your UCalgary degree while exploring a new country! With more than 200 partner universities around the world, our Global Learning program lets you travel, experience new cultures, and study or work in exciting places — all while working toward your degree.