Six students presenting their research findings

Innovative Minds, Transformative Research

Presenting research at a conference or other event is an important part of student researchers' professional development. Conferences provide opportunities for students to contribute to and learn about research happening in their field by engaging with fellow researchers and help build a professional network.

Conferences provide an opportunity to learn how to talk about research and to advocate for its importance. Representing your field of study through presenting your research is an important way of generating interest and support for your field among researchers in other disciplines, policy makers, and the general public.

I have presented at 7 conferences, from campus to national, and the key to success at these conferences is to communicate ideas effectively.

Gabriel Winandar, '26 Aerospace Engineering

Presentation Opportunities

There are a wide variety of presentation opportunities available on campus, throughout Iowa and the United States, and around the world. Below is a short list of opportunities to help you find the best fit for your research.

Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) Awards

As Iowa State University is a member of CUR, its students are eligible for awards and recognition from the organization. CUR offers a number of awards every year to recognize undergraduate research students across all disciplines. CUR awards can cover costs to travel to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR), travel to discipline-specific conferences, funding for continued research, scholarships, and provides recognition of excellent work. A list of all CUR awards and their deadlines is available on the CUR website. CUR also offers faculty and mentor awards for those mentoring undergraduate students; application/nomination information available in the CUR website. The EUReCA program is available to meet with students who would like guidance and advising on the application process.