The Institute for Engaged Learning is accepting proposals for the Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Institute and the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program.

Both initiatives are an opportunity for undergraduate students to engage in substantive research focused on significant real-world problems. Through the programs, students work with faculty mentors to gain research skills that can be applied to their college coursework and future careers.

Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Institute participants present their research. Photo by Derrick Brownie, Indiana UniversityThe Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Institute facilitates the creation and support of multidisciplinary research teams consisting of undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs, senior staff and faculty.

Potential faculty mentors submit a research proposal that represents two or more disciplines. If funded, the Institute for Engaged Learning works with mentors to post student employment positions and facilitate the hiring process. Students are hired as hourly employees and work with the mentors, who serve as supervisors.

The proposal deadline is March 27.

The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program provides funding support for undergraduate students to work with a faculty mentor on a research proposal, and if funded, execute the proposal. The student is hired as an hourly employee and works with the mentor, who serves as the supervisor.

Faculty who have a project idea but have not identified a student who is interested in being connected with a mentor can fill out an unpaired interest form.

A student researcher and faculty mentor pair can submit a proposal application through April 3.