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University Research Week

What is University Research Week?

Started in 2018, University Research Week (URW) is an annual, campus-wide event designed to improve awareness of what it means to be a research university, align the University’s missions of producing world-class research and providing a world-class undergraduate education, and promote opportunities for students to discover and engage in research and scholarship. In support of this week-long effort, departments are encouraged to coordinate department-specific activities such as research interest group meetings; workshops for faculty and students to network and foster new research opportunities; symposia highlighting faculty and student research and scholarship; and tours of laboratories and other research facilities. In addition, faculty are encouraged to take 15-20 minutes during a class that week to discuss their own research with undergraduate students.

If you have questions about URW and how to get involved, please contact Layla Dowdy in the Office of Research Communications or Bob Pleasants in the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Research Week 2024

The 2024 URW will be held from October 21-25, and the theme is “Back to Basics.”

This year, we celebrate the power of foundational research and its real-world impact across many disciplines.

Join us as we highlight the importance of fundamental research as the bedrock of innovation, showcase how groundbreaking discoveries translate to real-world solutions, and offer workshops to equip students and researchers with best practices for diving into and excelling in research.

Stay tuned for a week packed with inspiring talks, interactive events, and opportunities to engage with Carolina’s thriving research community!

Past Research Weeks

Please visit the below sites for the schedule and details of past research weeks, including a number of recorded events available on demand in some instances.

University Research Week 2023 took place October 23-27, 2023.

University Research Week 2022 took place October 10-14, 2022.

University Research Week 2021 took place November 8-12, 2021.

University Research Week 2020 took place October 19-23, 2020.

University Research Week 2019 took place November 8-14, 2019.

University Research Week 2018 took place November 5-9, 2018.