Network Programmes

U21 Undergraduate Research Conference

 

The U21 Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) allows students from around the globe to present their research to a diverse audience of peers, faculty, and mentors from the U21 member universities.  Students from any discipline are welcome to join the conference for stimulating discussions and networking opportunities.  Seminars and social activities are also included in the programme.  For academic staff, the URC provides the opportunity to engage with U21 colleagues, discuss topical issues and develop professional networks. 

The first U21 Undergraduate Research Conference took place in 2005 at the University of Virginia and has since been an annual event on the U21 calendar.  NUS hosted the Conference in 2008, which saw participation from 51 students and 6 staff.  For more information on past conferences, please visit the U21 website.

U21 Undergraduate Research Conference 2013

‘Urban Challenges’

Venue: University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Date: 8 – 12 July 2013

Programme Description & Objectives

The International Relations Office (IRO) invites applications from NUS undergraduates in their 2nd or 3rd year (except graduating students) to participate in the upcoming U21 Undergraduate Research Conference 2013. The conference will be held at University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 8 to 12 July 2013.

This year’s conference will take the theme ‘Urban Challenges: building healthy, smart and & creative cities for the future’ and students from all disciplines are invited to consider how their studies relate to the topic. Key issues for modern cities range from public health, logistics, safety, governance, migration, diversity and cultural dynamics to design and creativity.

Up to three outstanding NUS students will be selected to attend the U21 Undergraduate Research Conference 2013. Each student will be given the opportunity to participate in and present his/her research through an oral presentation or poster presentation to an international audience of fellow students and faculty staff from the U21 universities.

IRO is pleased to provide financial support to successful candidates consisting of a lump sum which students can use to offset the cost of airfare and accommodation.

Interested students are welcome to apply through their respective faculties’ Dean’s Office. Each faculty/school is invited to nominate one candidate, who will be required to attend an interview session arranged by IRO, if shortlisted.

More information on the U21 Undergraduate Research Conference 2013 is available at the URC 2013 website.

Program Schedule

Please refer to the following link for information on the program schedule.

Program Expenses

The financial support from IRO will help to offset the cost of airfare and accommodation. Participants are responsible for the arrangement of air travel to and from Amsterdam, application of visa (if applicable) and other miscellaneous costs such as local transportation and food. It is highly recommended that participants purchase travel insurance before their departure.

Accommodation

All participants will stay in the same hotel (rooms will be reserved by the University of Amsterdam). Please refer to the following link for information on accommodation.

Application Criteria

The U21 Undergraduate Research Conference 2013 is open to full-time NUS undergraduate students in their 2nd or 3rd year (except graduating students). Students from any faculty/school/discipline may apply.

Students who have previously participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) or who have carried out research are especially encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants should possess a good command of the English language, be thoughtful and mature in their outlook and be able to act as effective ambassadors of NUS.

Application Process

Students interested in applying for the U21 Undergraduate Research Conference 2013 must complete and submit the Application Form along with the relevant documents to their faculty’s Dean’s Office by Monday, 11 February 2013.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to attend an interview to be scheduled during the week of 18 - 22 February 2013, unless otherwise notified. Final decisions will be made by 1 March 2013.

Visa Application

Students are responsible for acquiring their own visa.  The University of Amsterdam can provide an official invitation letter to help with the visa application (for a short stay visa of up to 90 days). Please refer to the following link for information on visa application.

About Universitas 21

Universitas 21 (U21) is an international network of leading research-intensive universities. Its vision is to foster global citizenship and institutional innovation through research-inspired teaching and learning, student mobility, connecting our students and staff, and wider advocacy for internationalization.  For more information on U21, please visit: www.universitas21.com.