About RURS

What is the Rice Undergraduate Research Symposium (RURS)?

The conference is composed of research posters, student presentations, a keynote speaker, and cash prizes. The RURS is open to all Rice undergraduates who are currently conducting or have conducted independent or group research. Over 100 undergraduate students presented their research in the First Annual RURS held in 2002.

What is the format of the RURS?

An abstract (250-300 word summary) is published on the RURS website. During the conference, a poster is on display and each participant remains next to their poster to answer questions and present a two to five minute summary to a group of judges in either the morning or the afternoon session.

How does the RURS enhance the undergraduate research experience at Rice?

The RURS expands the research opportunities available to Rice undergraduates in two ways:

1. The importance of exposure to undergraduate research
   The RURS provides an opportunity for students to share the excitement of the findings of their research with peers, faculty, and guests as well as be exposed to the cutting-edge research accomplishments of undergraduates from all departments at Rice.
2. Participation in an academic conference
   The RURS expands the research opportunities available to Rice students beyond working in labs on campus and writing research papers, allowing participants to gain conference experience. In addition to oral and graphic presentation opportunities, participants obtain a presentation publication that can be included on resumes and graduate school applications and have the abstract from their project published online and/or in a symposium brochure.

There is no fee to participate; all Rice undergraduates are encouraged to apply.