The Power of Membership
CUR’s members are higher education professionals dedicated to supporting undergraduate research. CUR supports undergraduate students through their institutions while broadening opportunities for its constituents through relationships with higher education, disciplinary organizations, government agencies, and industry partners.
Are you looking for a community to help support your journey with undergraduate research? Want to strengthen your institution’s undergraduate research program and presence?
Here are our top 9 reasons on why you should become a CUR member today.
CUR offers workshops, conferences, and webinars that help members develop their skills in mentoring undergraduate researchers, building programs to support undergraduate research, conducting research, and enhancing their teaching practices. Mentors can benefit from resources designed to help them foster undergraduate research at their institutions and advance their own professional development.
- Position Statements
- Toolkits (Assessment, Advocacy, etc)
- Member-only access to Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research assessment
- Discounted live webinars and online courses
- Webinar archive
- Share expertise as a speaker for events and programs
- Discounted registrations to online and in-person events year-round
- Exclusive Member-Only Online Community Forum
- Access to a community of practice with thought leaders in UR
- Eligibility to serve in volunteer elected leadership or other positions
- Member-only intimate industry chats on hot topics
CUR plays a leading role in advocating for the importance of undergraduate research at the national and international levels including training for self-led state advocacy. CUR regularly partners and collaborates with other professional societies and coalitions bringing the undergraduate research voice to the conversation. Members can participate in efforts to raise awareness of the value of undergraduate research for student learning and academic success.
CUR’s supporting resources:
- Advocacy for UR at the federal level
- Access to Advocacy Toolkit
- This Week In Washington E-newsletter
- Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) Program
- Position Statements
Â
Students benefit from being part of the CUR community by gaining access to research conferences and opportunities to present their own research, receive mentorship, and gain valuable exposure in the academic community.
CUR’s supporting resources:Â
- Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) Program
- National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR)
- Student Resource Center
- Professional Networking tips and Career Building How Tos
- Internships and Research Opportunities directory
- Paper and Presentation Opportunities directory
- Student Journals Directory
CUR offers a range of awards and recognitions for mentors and institutions that excel in promoting and supporting undergraduate research, and for students to celebrate and support their undergraduate journey. These awards provide members with a chance to be recognized for their contributions to the field.
CUR’s supporting resources:
- Awards to recognize mentor and leadership skills
- Discipline and division-specific awards and grants to recognize individuals
- Summer celebration of award recognition
- Global press releases and communications about award recipients
CUR provides members with information on best practices in funding application development to support and sustain undergraduate research efforts on campus. CUR is regularly advocating for continued undergraduate research funding.
CUR’s supporting resources:Â
- Proposal Writing Institute
- Discounts to Grant Dialogues conference
- Internships and Research Opportunities directory
- Toolkits (Assessment, Advocacy, etc)
- Community to ask questions and gain advice
- Member-only intimate industry chats on hot topics
Institutions that are CUR members can gain visibility and recognition for their commitment to undergraduate research, which can attract talented students, faculty, and funding. CUR membership can help institutions build and expand research opportunities for undergraduates, which enhances their academic reputation. For those in support of undergraduate research, CUR offers a variety of opportunities to showcase the value of UR through partnerships and sponsorships.
CUR’s supporting resources:Â
- Advertisements in widespread eNewsletter and scholarly journal, SPUR
- Opportunities for facilitation of online webinars or learning platforms
- Exhibitor space at online and in-person events
- Membership Monday social media callouts
- Campus-wide Award for Undergraduate Research Accomplishments
- Institutional membership badge for member amplification
Members gain access to a variety of resources, including CUR’s peer-reviewed journal, toolkits, guides, and best practices in research mentoring. CUR publishes materials that support the development of undergraduate research programs, grant-writing, and other areas related to research education.
CUR’s supporting resources:
- Characteristics of Excellence in Undergraduate Research
- CUR E-newsletter
- Scholarlship and Practice of Undergraduate Research quarterly subscription and archive
- Discount on co-published publications
- Access to a community of practice with thought leaders in UR
- CUR Member Resource Library
- Position Statements
- Toolkits (Assessment, Advocacy, etc)
CUR provides access to a network of mentors, students, and institutions championing undergraduate research. Members can connect with others in their field, share ideas and resources, and collaborate on research initiatives.
CUR’s supporting resources:
- Exclusive Member-Only Online Community Forum
- Access to a community of practice with thought leaders in UR
- Eligibility to serve in volunteer elected leadership positions
- Member-only intimate industry chats on hot topics
- Various discipline and position specific get togethers
For mentors, being part of CUR can enhance career advancement by connecting them to a community of scholars committed to student research and education. For institutions, CUR provides the opportunity to recruit industry thought leaders. It may also open up opportunities for leadership roles within the organization or in related academic fields.
CUR’s supporting resources:
- Advertisements in widespread eNewsletter and scholarly journal, SPUR
- Access to post and view on Job Board
- Share expertise as a speaker for events and programs
- Eligibility to serve in volunteer elected leadership positions
- Internships and Research Opportunities directory
The CUR Membership Value Proposition
CUR empowers higher education professionals to strengthen undergraduate research culture, student success, and institutional impact.
Through professional development, evidence-based resources, leadership opportunities, advocacy, and a national community of practice, CUR helps institutions expand access to high-quality undergraduate research experiences.
By supporting the professionals who mentor and guide undergraduate researchers, CUR advances a future in which all undergraduates are empowered through research to tackle complex challenges for better lives and a better future.
2026 ASAE Research Foundation Sal Martino Foresight Award Recipient
In 2026, CUR received the inaugural ASAE Research Foundation Sal Martino Foresight Award, recognizing organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in foresight, innovation, and future-focused strategy.
The award highlights CUR’s national leadership in advancing undergraduate research and preparing institutions and professionals for the evolving future of higher education.