About URCA
Developed as a resource to help guide students towards experiential education opportunities, URCA seeks to enhance undergraduates’ time at UCSB through participation in research and creative activities. Together, these programs work to foster individuals who are prepared to apply their learned skills towards their future personal, academic, and professional goals.
Finding and Funding Research
Research Directory
The Undergrad Research Directory is your go-to place for discovering new research projects taking place on campus.
URCA Grant
The URCA grant is an opportunity for undergraduates to pursue their independent research projects with funding up to $750.
URCA 2025-2026 AT A GLANCE
URCA Grant
Applications open: October 1, 2025
Applications due: November 14, 2025
The URCA grant is an opportunity for undergraduates to pursue their independent research projects with funding up to $750.
URCA Week
Applications open: February 1, 2026
Applications due: March 20, 2026
Events: May 11-May 15, 2026
URCA Week showcases the incredible range of scholarship and creative projects UCSB undergraduates have worked on all year.
URCA Journal
The URCA Journal highlights the amazing achievements produced by UCSB undergraduates and their graduate and faculty mentors. In the journal, students have the opportunity to share their research and contribute to the broader knowledge of UCSB’s campus.
Support for Students
Contact Us
If you're overwhelmed or curious about research and unsure where to begin, we're here to help you out.
Student Hours and Events
News and Updates
University of Utah: Summer Research Opportunity (Upcoming Deadline)
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 2025!
Our summer programming brings over 200 undergraduate researchers to the University of Utah – last year, students represented 96 different institutions.
Continue Reading University of Utah: Summer Research Opportunity (Upcoming Deadline)
URCA Grant - Call for Applications
By applying for the URCA Grant you become an integral part of the research community at UCSB and will develop important skills like taking a research project from conception to completion, learning how a typical grant application process works and getting hands-on experience with research.
To qualify for an URCA grant, you must meet a few general requirements and submit a completed proposal online by the application deadline. If you receive an URCA grant, you must present your work at URCA Week the following May.
Continue Reading URCA Grant - Call for Applications