HomeNews TypesGeneral NewsExecutive Corner: December 2025

Executive Corner: December 2025

Dear CUR Community,

As we move into the holiday season and the close of another productive year, I hope you are finding time to celebrate the discoveries, learning, and connections that make undergraduate research (UR) so meaningful. This season is also a perfect moment to reflect on how CUR continues to support our community and to share ways to engage in 2026.

Empowering the UR Community
Our community thrives when members collaborate, share experiences, and contribute to shaping the future of UR. One exciting opportunity is the open invitation to apply to sit on the Member Mentoring Working Group, which will help CUR develop strategies and resources to strengthen mentoring across undergraduate research programs. We encourage members to apply by December 15 to lend their perspective, ensuring that mentoring practices continue to support student growth and mentor development across our network.

Driving Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Research
As we look ahead, there are several ways to engage:

  • The call for ConnectUR 2026 proposals closes on December 12. ConnectUR offers both in-person and virtual engagement options, making it easy to share expertise, exchange ideas, and build connections with peers, regardless of your location.
  • Grant Dialogues 2026 registration is open. In a rapidly changing grants landscape, this program—offered in partnership with the National Grants Management Association—provides a space for the community to come together, explore innovative strategies, and support UR across disciplines.
  • Don’t miss the Fall SPUR issue, which features a wide array of timely, thought-provoking topics centered on the responsible and ethical conduct of UR. If you have research or insights to share, the call for SPUR submissions is ongoing, offering a platform to contribute to this high-quality, peer-engaged publication.

Elevating UR
CUR continues to advance the visibility and impact of undergraduate research through recognition, advocacy, and partnerships. This year, CUR will host two sessions at the AAC&U Annual Conference, including a session on UR as a career readiness tool and a partnered session on success strategies for integrating UR into the mission. We hope to see many of you there to engage in these conversations.

In addition, the CUR Board approved an expanded approach to the CUR Fellows Award, and we are thrilled to welcome the first class of fellows in 2026. This recognition aligns with our strategic goals and celebrates exceptional leadership in UR. We encourage members to apply or nominate colleagues whose work exemplifies excellence in advancing UR.

These initiatives reflect CUR’s ongoing commitment to our three strategic goals: Empowering the Undergraduate Research Community, Driving Excellence and Innovation in Undergraduate Research, and Elevating Undergraduate Research. Your involvement—through proposals, submissions, volunteer engagement, or sharing expertise—ensures that CUR remains a vibrant, connected, and forward-looking community.

Thank you for your dedication to mentoring, discovery, and advancing UR. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to 2026.

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.

By Todd Waggoner

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