University of Utah: Office of Undergraduate Research- Summer Research Opportunity

Every summer, the University of Utah’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) offers a Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR). We are currently accepting applications for summer 2026!   

Our summer programming brings over 200 undergraduate researchers to the University of Utah – last year, students represented 82 different institutions.   

What is SPUR? SPUR provides undergraduates with an intensive paid 10-week research experience under the mentorship of a University of Utah faculty member. These student researchers work hand in hand with faculty mentors on project topics ranging from health, medicine, law, robotics, nursing, engineering, architecture and more!  

Benefits of SPUR. In addition to being paid $5,000 for a full-time summer research opportunity that lasts 10-weeks, SPUR scholars participate in professional development with our Educational Series and graduate school preparation with the Grad School Mini Expo. Research can be fun! With campus partners we organize social programming for researchers that is fun and an exciting opportunity to network with other researchers at the U. Participants can opt to be housed on-campus in Salt Lake City and explore the unique beauty of Utah’s mountain ranges and desert landscapes! 

OUR recognizes that student research dissemination matters. Participants in SPUR have the opportunity to present their research at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and publish their work in Range: Undergraduate Research Journal.   

Important Dates:  

Deadline for Summer 2026: January 25, 2026 11:59PM (Mountain Time)  

Summer 2026 Program: May 18, 2026 – July 31, 2026 at the University of Utah  

For more information or to apply, visit https://our.utah.edu/spur/.   

Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like more information. Email our@utah.edu or call 801-581-2478.