Call for Abstracts

It is increasingly important that the scientific community works to ensure that those in the U.S. Congress who provide funding for science and science education have a clear understanding of the programs they fund and why these programs are important. Undergraduate research must be among those programs that members of Congress understand if it is to continue to be supported. 

Nothing more effectively demonstrates the value of undergraduate research than the words and stories of the student participants themselves. In the Spring of 2008 the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) will host its 12th annual undergraduate poster session on Capitol Hill. This event will help members of Congress understand the importance of undergraduate research by talking directly with the students whom these programs impact.

CUR will invite representatives from federal funding agencies and nearby foundations to attend the poster session.  We ask you to provide the name of the agency or organization sponsoring your research, and the name of the program officer, to facilitate our making these invitations.

CUR is calling for students to submit an abstract of their research that represents any of CUR's divisions (Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Humanities, Mathematics/Computer Science, Physics/Astronomy, Psychology, and Social Sciences). Each abstract should explain the work that was performed and discuss the importance of the work to science and society (i.e., what larger problem were you trying to solve or understand?). 

Abstract submissions will only be accepted by using our on-line submission form. You should have your vitae and poster abstract ready before clicking on the "Get submission form" button at the end of page. Once you submit your abstract you will receive an email confirmation that we have received it.  In this email will be a Submission ID Number.  You will need to provide this number to the faculty member who is providing you with a letter of recommendation.  The faculty member listed as advisor on the application will then use this number to submit the electronic letter of recommendation.  The electronic letter of recommendation from the advisor must be submitted no later than November 30, 2007.  Abstracts that are received for which no letter of recommendation has been submitted will not be considered.  Only one letter of recommendation should be sent, and the signature on the letter must match the name of the advisor listed in the application.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION for the 2008 Posters on the Hill Session IS NOVEMBER 15, 2007 - no exceptions. After this date you will no longer be able to access the submission form. For those selected to be presenters, as well as their advisors there will be a registration fee assessed to partially cover the expenses of breakfast, evening reception and facility/equipment rental.  Guests of students will be able to attend at a discounted rate.  

This is a unique opportunity that we believe will have a very positive impact on the future of federal funding for undergraduate research. We encourage undergraduates from both public and private predominantly undergraduate institutions, research universities, and those who have done their work at a national laboratory or facility to submit abstracts. A committee of CUR members anticipates selecting approximately 60 posters for participation in the poster session. Students selected for participation will be notified by February 15, 2008. 

Funds are not available through CUR to support costs associated with student travel and lodging for the poster session. Students and their mentors should consider exploring a variety of sources of support, including their President's Office, Government Relations Office, academic dean, etc. While students may present their poster without mentor accompaniment, mentors are strongly encouraged to participate in the poster session.

A full day of activities is anticipated. In addition to the evening poster session and reception on April 30, 2008 (tentative) there will be a morning orientation session with continental breakfast.  Students and their advisors will have an opportunity to visit their Congressional Representatives and Senators to talk about undergraduate research.  CUR will provide instructions for setting up these meetings.

Criteria for selection will include quality of the project, geographical distribution, diversity of funding sources of the projects chosen, and diversity of student backgrounds. It is unlikely that more than one student project will be selected per school, but more than one student may be associated with a project.

CUR will provide press releases and other materials to students and their campus representatives.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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