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Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)

PURE is an exceptional undergraduate research experience that empowers ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ students to gain mentorship and learn valuable skills for their future. It provides up to $7,500 for undergraduate students in all disciplines to embark on an eight-, 12- or 16-week summer research project with a supervisor in a field they are passionate about.

The program offers students a first-hand look into how research contributes to new knowledge and solutions to society's greatest challenge providing students with valuable experiential learning that fuels creativity, discovery and innovation.

We strongly encourage applications from students in the early stages of their undergraduate degrees.

Contact:

Office of Experiential Learning (OEL)
pure@ucalgary.ca

Cenovus PURE EDI program

Opportunity and mentorship are particularly critical for underrepresented students and reducing barriers for participation in undergraduate experiential learning opportunities is key to ensuring the diversity of tomorrow’s workforce. With a contribution of $500,000, 60-65 underrepresented students will benefit from mentored research experiences over the next three years.

Students' Union Quality Money: creating equitable pathways to undergraduate research

Fear of rejection, uncertainty, and hesitation in reaching out to supervisors often hold underrepresented students back from engaging in research experiences. Thanks to a $448,800 contribution from the Students' Union Quality Money Fund, we are closer to breaking down those barriers by providing essential resources and funding for over 50 underrepresented students to pursue valuable, mentored research experiences. 

What is the purpose of a PURE award?

The Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) Award program offers funded opportunities for ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ undergraduate students to conduct research with a faculty supervisor over the spring and summer terms. Award recipients learn how research projects are developed and conducted, and how research results can contribute new knowledge and insights in their field of study and in the wider community.

Each PURE studentship is a unique opportunity to develop research skills through experiential learning. Students explore personal research interests, develop the abilities to collaborate, think critically and creatively, and communicate with the research community. PURE Award experiences enrich and extend undergraduate learning at the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½.

Award Value

PURE Awards are funded for periods of 8, 12 or 16 weeks between May and August. 16-week awards are in the amount of $7,500, 12-week awards in the amount of $5,625, and 8-week awards in the amount of $3,750. Students holding PURE Awards will be paid $1,875 from the Undergraduate Awards Office once a month for the duration of the studentship, in accordance with the award values.

Eligibility

PURE is open to ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ undergraduate students in any faculty and any discipline. It is intended for ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ undergraduate students in good academic standing. We encourage applications from students in the early stages of their programs. PURE awards are only available to continuing undergraduate students in the following fall academic term. Students who have completed the requirements for their degree program are not eligible for a PURE award. Students planning to graduate in June are ineligible.

2025 Terms of Reference >>

Minimum GPA

Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to apply for a PURE award. A cumulative GPA includes all courses that count towards a student’s current program of study. As the PURE awards application deadline is in February, a student’s GPA includes their recent Fall semester grades. We strongly encourage students to connect with a faculty advisor to help accurately calculate their cumulative GPA.

Reporting

As part of their commitment, all PURE recipients must submit final reports upon completion of their projects.

Students are also strongly encouraged to showcase their projects at the annual . 

PURE award holders must file reports summarizing the results of their research in late September.

Details on the submission process for final reports will be communicated in June.

The final report description and template will be shared with award recipients during the research term. The report will ask students to describe their research project and results and reflect on their experience.