Enhancing your academics
Get a premier education at one of Canada’s top 5 research universities
Undergraduate research opportunities
At UCalgary, students are driven to make meaningful impact. As Canada’s youngest top research university, we offer opportunities to take part in groundbreaking projects — from water sustainability with local communities to tracking space data with NASA.
With more than half a billion dollars in research funding, UCalgary is creating real solutions. We've launched more than 90 startups in the past five years — more than any other Canadian university.
On this page
Get ready for research
The Ready for Research micro-credential will prepare you to confidently participate in research within your undergraduate studies. It consists of 10 synchronous and asynchronous online modules, allowing you to choose between various learning activities to match your personal interests. Participating in this badge will help you discover undergraduate research opportunities on campus and create a plan to get involved with the research you are truly passionate about, enriching your undergraduate experience.
Get involved in research
At UCalgary, research is built into your undergraduate experience, with opportunities to get involved as early as your first year. Across disciplines, you can explore your interests through course-based projects, faculty-led initiatives, and funded programs, working alongside researchers to build skills and contribute to real-world discovery.
Students making discoveries
Meet some of the many UCalgary students helping create new and meaningful knowledge through research.
Michaela
Michaela is an honors student studying a combined degree of Physics and Philosophy. During her studies, she has been able to pursue research opportunities across a wide range of disciplines. Her varied academic experience led her to develop a deep interest in statistical mechanics. It also gave her the chance to do a supervised project on the usage of unethically obtained data. Michaela has also taken on a NSERC USRI position as a part of the Complexity Science Group (CSG) and completed a physics honours thesis. Michaela’s journey highlights the interdisciplinary opportunities available through undergraduate research.
Tousif
Tousif is a Bachelor of Science student in the Faculty of Kinesiology. He enhanced his studies with a UCalgary Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) award. With this funding, he completed a research project exploring muscle stretch reflexes during walking using wearable technology. This taught Tousif adaptability and perseverance, which he considers the true catalysts for success in research. "Research isn’t reserved for the experienced — it’s part of how you grow. I was trusted to take on challenges that mattered, and I learned that impact starts the moment you begin. That’s why I chose UCalgary — and why I’d choose it again.”
Roxie
Roxie is a Bachelor of Education student at UCalgary and has already completed a Bachelor of Arts degree. A member of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, she was born and raised on Treaty 8 territory. As an undergraduate research assistant, Roxie contributed to community-driven research addressing water insecurity in the Stoney Nakoda Nation. Working with an Îyârxe community member and youth leader, she explored Indigenous-led solutions to the community’s water crisis. She also supported students as a peer advisor and shared her research journey on an undergraduate research panel. Through this work, Roxie built lasting connections within UCalgary’s research community and gained firsthand insight into the real-world impact of undergraduate research.
Turn ideas into impact
Entrepreneurial thinking means more than starting a business. It is about solving problems in bold, creative ways. At UCalgary, we encourage students to take initiative, think across disciplines, adapt with resilience and learn through action.
As one of Canada’s leading research universities, we offer hands-on opportunities to turn your curiosity into meaningful contributions. This could mean exploring the quantum realm or tackling today’s most pressing global issues.
Explore below to see how you can bring your ideas to life through research, innovation and real-world experience at UCalgary.
Makerspaces
Located across campus, our Makerspaces offer an innovative space to bring your ideas to life. With access to cutting-edge technology, including laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC machines, woodshop tools, sound studios, electronics workbenches and Raspberry Pi computers, you’ll have the tools to turn your creative visions into reality. These spaces provide the perfect environment for hands-on learning, allowing you to prototype, design and tackle real-world challenges.
Learn more about LabNext MakerSpace for all students
Learn more about the Schulich School of Engineering's Makerspaces
Explore your world
Earn credits towards your UCalgary degree while exploring a new country! With more than 200 partner universities around the world, our Global Learning program lets you travel, experience new cultures, and study or work in exciting places — all while working toward your degree.
Why should you consider a global learning opportunity
Season 10 Episode 8: Inside Emily’s Biomechanics Journey: Labs, Research, & Global Experience
In this episode, we sit down with Emily, a UCalgary Biomechanics alum and current master’s student in Biomedical Engineering. She reflects on how her undergrad was shaped by work-integrated learning, from research opportunities to an international placement with Adidas in Germany.