Inspired by students’ motivation for authentic mentorship and opportunities to connect with others in the research community, the Undergraduate Education (Research) Team introduced REx Connect Café—a relaxed café experience where students, faculty and staff come together over coffee to exchange ideas, ask questions and explore undergraduate research opportunities.

Supported by our dedicated student ambassadors and volunteers, the inaugural sessions at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Science welcomed more than 170 students and staff. Beyond providing information about undergraduate research, the cafés created opportunities for spontaneous conversations, new connections and the exchange of research interests across disciplines.

The enthusiastic response reinforced an important insight: students are eager to engage in undergraduate research, but many simply need accessible opportunities to learn about the pathways available to them. REx Connect Café bridges that gap by creating an informal, welcoming environment where curiosity sparks conversations and conversations inspire research journeys.