Dear CUR Community,
I hope you are having a wonderful summer, whether that means leading a summer research program, working one-on-one with students, preparing for the fall, or taking time to recharge. However you are spending this season, I hope you are finding what you need.
Welcome to a new membership year at CUR! Whether you are a long-time member or are joining us for the first time, we are so glad you are here.
If there is one thing the past year has reinforced, it is that community matters. In a time when higher education and research continue to face uncertainty and change, the relationships we build, the ideas we share, and the support we provide one another are more important than ever. CUR has always been more than a professional association. It is a community of educators, researchers, administrators, students, and advocates who believe in the transformative power of undergraduate research.
That spirit was on full display at ConnectUR just a few weeks ago. Throughout the conference, we heard reflections that capture the energy of the experience: “Inspired. Energized. Grateful.” Others shared that ConnectUR serves as “my annual reset,” and described leaving the meeting “energized with new ideas and meaningful reflections.” Again and again, participants emphasized how meaningful it was to connect with colleagues, share research and ideas, and think together about the future of undergraduate research. These reflections are a powerful reminder of why we gather and why this community continues to thrive.
While we are still reflecting on this year’s event, we are already looking ahead. Mark your calendars for ConnectUR 2027, which will be held June 28–30 in Providence, Rhode Island. We hope you will join us as we continue building connections, sharing innovative practices, and advancing undergraduate research together.
As we begin this new member year, there are many opportunities to engage across the CUR community. Applications are now open for the Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) Civic Engagement program. Supporting students as they learn to communicate the impact of undergraduate research to policymakers and the public is more important than ever, and STR continues to prepare the next generation of advocates and leaders.
Planning is also well underway for NCUR 2027 in Grand Rapids. Following record attendance in 2026, we are excited to continue that momentum next year. Proposal submissions will open soon, with a deadline of December 4, 2026. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your students early so they have time to prepare strong submissions.
The coming months will also bring new resources designed to support your work. Later this summer, CUR will release a discussion guide with questions and prompts to help institutions, programs, and mentors thoughtfully consider the role of artificial intelligence in undergraduate research. We will also share a new resource highlighting characteristics of excellence in undergraduate research in online learning environments. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers, these resources are intended to help our community navigate emerging opportunities, engage in meaningful conversations, and make decisions that best fit their own institutional contexts.
One of CUR’s greatest strengths is its volunteer leaders, who bring their expertise, perspectives, and passion to advancing undergraduate research. Available positions for service on the Board of Directors and in Divisional leadership roles are now open. If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, I encourage you to explore these opportunities. And if someone in your network would be an outstanding leader, I hope you’ll encourage them to submit a nomination as well.
Behind the scenes, we continue advancing the priorities outlined in our strategic plan through new partnerships, expanded advocacy efforts, and continued investments in the member and volunteer experience. Each of these efforts is grounded in a shared goal: expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the impact of undergraduate research nationwide.
Thank you for being part of CUR. Your commitment, expertise, and generosity are what make this community strong. I look forward to everything we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
With gratitude and excitement,
Lindsay Currie
Executive Officer
Founded in 1978, the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) focuses on providing high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly, and creative activity. Among the many activities and networking opportunities that CUR provides, the organization also offers support for the professional growth of faculty and administrators through expert-designed institutes, conferences, and a wide-range of volunteer positions. The CUR community, made up of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 individuals, continues to provide a platform for discussion and other resources related to mentoring, connecting, and creating relationships centered around undergraduate research. CUR’s advocacy efforts are also a large portion of its work as they strive to strengthen support for undergraduate research. Its continued growth in connections with representatives, private foundations, government agencies, and campuses world-wide provides value to its members and gives voice to undergraduate research. CUR is committed to inclusivity and diversity in all of its activities and our community.
CUR focuses on giving a voice to undergraduate research with learning through doing. It provides connections to a multitude of campuses and government agencies, all while promoting networking and professional growth to its community.
