Goals of the Fund
- Increase the number of undergraduate students actively engaged in research
- Provide undergraduate students with an enriched opportunity to develop transferable skills beyond the classroom
- Create an inclusive environment where students have the opportunity to connect with others engaged in research, develop appreciation for diverse approaches to research, and acquire skills and knowledge so that they feel comfortable within research and knowledge translation environments .
Opportunities & Eligibility
Students may apply to three opportunities that support different types of research engagement.
- 16-week summer research assistantships in social sciences, humanities, and health disciplines
- This is 16 weeks of paid full-time employment.
- Supervisor’s Contribution: $5,183
- Applications Due: April 10, 2026 (12:00PM Noon)
- Eligibility: Confirmed a faculty member, both the student and supervisor must complete a portion of the application.
- Part-Time research assistantships during Fall and Winter terms, in any discipline.
- Supervisor’s contribution: $1500
- Applications due: September
- Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have secured a faculty member to supervise their research.
- Funds to support travel and registration costs to attend a conference, participate in research skills training, or other short term research-related learning opportunity.
- Eligibility: Any undergraduate student may apply
- Applications: Fall and Winter term competitions
Benefits, How to Apply and Donate
- Develop specialized research & communication skills.
- Document your learning through RSD credit.
- Expand your network by connecting with students, professors, and others working in research spaces.
- Collaborate with a professor on a project to gain in-depth knowledge in your area of interest.
- Try out research to see if graduate studies or a research-related career appeals to you.
In addition to the skills and knowledge gained through faculty mentorship throughout the research experience, students will also participate in a scholar's network and professional development activities where they can connect with other student researchers, build skills, and share their experiences.
Calls for the RA programs will be sent in March (for Summer) and September (for Fall-Winter).
The Student Research Opportunities Fund was established following a $600,000 major gift from The Peacock Family Foundation.
To learn more about the impact of the fund or to make a donation, visit The Student Research Opportunity Fund.
