Undergraduate Research Presentation Opportunity

The National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) is the largest conference on undergraduate research in the country. Each year, approximately 4,000 undergraduates from all over the country present their scholarship as posters, oral presentations, performances, and works of art. It is a great opportunity for students to present their research and network with other undergraduate researchers. In addition, there are graduate school and career fairs at the conference.

KSU hosted this conference in 2019. 

NCUR 2026 logo

NCUR 2026 will be held in Richmond, VA on April 13-15, 2026.

Apply for Funding

Please do not submit an abstract directly to NCUR before applying for funding below. Funding is not guaranteed.

 

ACTIVITY DEADLINE
Pre-Approval Stage: Submit your Abstract to the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) By October 28, 2025 at 11:59pm
All Final OUR Funding Decisions Released Week of November 24, 2025
Submit Approved Abstract to the NCUR 2026 Portal
 By December 5, 2025
NCUR 2026 Abstract Decisions Released January 14, 2026
NCUR & Travel Information Sessions TBD - Late January 2026, after NCUR decisions are released
NCUR 2026 in Richmond, VA April 13-15, 2026

APPLICATIONS FOR NCUR 2026 WILL OPEN IN FALL 2025

Funded students must adhere to the following guidelines:

  1. You must fly with the Office of Undergraduate Research group on the dates noted in the award email, and on the flights selected by the the office.
    • If you cannot do so, you will be responsible for booking and purchasing your own flights. Please note you will not be reimbursed for alternate flights.
  2. You must share a room with another funded KSU student presenting at the conference.
    • If you cannot do so, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your own hotel room. You will not be reimbursed for a separate room.
  3. You must complete an End of Experience Survey, which is typically due two weeks after returning from NCUR.
  4. You must present your work at the Fall OR Spring Symposium of Student Scholars

Please note that as a recipient of a funding resource, it is your responsibility to complete all noted requirements. Failure to complete the survey and/or present at the Symposium will result in ineligibility for one (1) year of future funding from the Office of Undergraduate Research.

The funding from the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) covers the following: 

  1. Round trip transportation between KSU (Kennesaw campus) and the Atlanta airport
  2. Round trip flight between Atlanta and host city
  3. Round trip transportation between the host city airport and hotel
  4. Conference Early Registration
  5. Hotel (two people per room)
  6. Meals not provided by the conference
    • Funding can only cover the the allotted per diem rates for each meal. Any expense over the allotted per diem will be your responsibility to cover.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • For more information on how to write an abstract, please watch this video.

    You can also view the Peer Ambassador Workshop Calendar for workshop availability.

    • If you choose to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to write your proposal, abstract, or  presentation, it’s important to first seek approval from your Primary Investigator (PI).

      Even with approval, you must include a disclaimer in your submission that clearly indicates the role AI played in your work. Keep in mind that while AI can be a helpful resource, it’s not infallible – AI-generated content can contain inaccuracies or biased information. As the author, you are fully responsible for the accuracy, ethics, and quality of the content, even if AI-generated.

      Failure to acknowledge the use of AI tools not only misrepresents your work but also constitutes a breach of academic integrity.  

  • NCUR has guidelines on how to write abstracts (note that the guidelines differ depending on the discipline). Two reviewers will be assigned to read each abstract and evaluate according to the NCUR guidelines for that discipline.
  • Unfortunately, we have limited funds to support students presenting at NCUR, so we can only fund one (1) student per project, even when a team of students has contributed to the project. Teammates can still put on their resumes that they were contributing authors to the presentation even if they weren't able to attend the conference.

  • An abstract rejection by OUR does not prevent you from going to NCUR on you own (if they accept your abstract submission); however, OUR funding will not be available to cover any of your costs.

    You will be responsible for planning, scheduling, and covering the costs of your own registration, transportation, lodging, meals, etc. for the duration of the conference.

  • URCA funds cannot be used for NCUR.

    You can contact your mentor, your department, or your college to see if other funds are available.

  • It is unlikely that you would be able to get funding at this point, but you could ask your mentor for your options. If you cannot get funding, please contact NCUR right away (NCUR@CUR.org) to withdraw your project

 

Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Research at our@kennesaw.edu if you have any questions.