Undergraduate Research as an Ecosystem: Aligning Design, Access, and Support

Undergraduate research continues to evolve as a defining feature of high-impact educational practice, shaping not only how students learn, but also how they prepare for careers, develop confidence, and engage with scholarly communities. Once viewed primarily as an enrichment opportunity for a select group of students, undergraduate research is now increasingly recognized as a central component of undergraduate education. This is evidenced as institutions are expanding access, embedding research into curricula, and aligning experiences with broader educational goals. Yet, as undergraduate research grows in scale and visibility, there is the need to ensure that these experiences remain meaningful, equitable, and sustainable. The Spring 2026 issue of Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research explores this transition, emphasizing that the value of undergraduate research lies not in its availability alone, but in how it is intentionally designed, supported, and experienced by students and faculty.