National Conference on Undergraduate Research

NCUR is a wonderful opportunity to meet peers and faculty from around the country working in similar research fields, learn about how research and scholarship is conducted in fields different than your own, learn about graduate school and employment opportunities, and to develop your presentation skills. All abstracts and applications will be reviewed by a faculty committee from the host institution. Students presenting at the National Conference have several presentation formats available, including oral or poster presentation options and creative performances. Visit the official NCUR website here.

2026 Abstract Submission is now open and closes on December 5th, 2025!

URC Travel Funding for NCUR

The Undergraduate Research Center (URC) works with the University Foundation to provide registration and travel funding for the student presenters of accepted abstracts. However, funding is not guaranteed and students should not make travel arrangements without confirming with the URC first. The URC will make group travel arrangements for those students selected for travel support. Travel funding decisions will be made in January. Priority in funding will be given to:

1. Primary authors
2. Students who have not been funded to attend NCUR previously
3. A representative distribution by college (based on enrollment)

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 NCUR Application Process

Design and Conduct Your Project

Before generating your abstract, you should have a fully-formed and planned research or creative project to discuss. Work closely with your faculty mentor and any project partners you may have to design and carry out your project.

Write Your Abstract

When the call for abstracts is sent out by the NCUR panel, take time and effort to submit your abstract. Writing help can be obtained by contacting your faculty mentor, other project partners, the Writing Center, and the URC staff.

Submit Abstract for the Conference

Submit your abstract by the deadline with all the necessary information. You need to indicate you are a student at Minnesota State University - Mankato. We will be notified of your submission and acceptance automatically and use this to plan for travel funding. You do not need to notify us that you submitted an abstract. Here are some hints to make this move smoothly.

• Use your official MNSU email (e.g. firstname.lastname@mnsu.edu)
• The campus coordinator should be listed as Dr. Patrick Tebbe (patrick.tebbe@mnsu.edu)

Register and Confirm Travel with the URC

Once your submission is submitted, watch for emails from NCUR and the Undergraduate Research Center. The URC will email all students soon after the submission deadline passes. Please do NOT start making travel arrangements on your own (this includes registering for the conference). If you are accepted for travel funding, the URC will organize group registration, group travel, and shared lodging. Remember, travel funding is not guaranteed.

Present

Travel to NCUR and present your work. Build your presentation skills, view other presentations by students from across disciplines, and enjoy the process of undergraduate research. Make sure to add the presentation to your resume and have a good time!