Undergraduate Excellence in Research Program

Undergraduate Research Opportunity

Excellence in Research is a life-changing experience that allows you to apply what you’ve learned in your undergraduate courses to “real life” problems that threaten our world. You will work at the cutting edge, using state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, with some of the best scientists in the nation. This capstone project is the culmination of your years at UCI, and for many students will determine their career direction for years to come.
~ Raju Metherate, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education

Presenting research to faculty judges allows students to share their discoveries, refine their communication skills and gain confidence in articulating complex ideas. These events foster critical thinking and inspire students to consider how their work can contribute to broader societal impact.
~ Shahrdad Lotfipour, Associate Professor, School of Medicine

Participation in the Excellence in Research Program is among the highest academic achievements for UC Irvine undergraduates.

Why Participate?

The Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences believes that successful participation in creative research is one of the highest academic goals undergraduates can attain. Students enrolled in Undergraduate Research, Bio Sci 199, and who meet eligibility requirements have an opportunity to present their scientific data to the academic community at the Undergraduate Research Symposium by participating in the Excellence in Research Program.

Those who successfully complete the program are awarded the “Excellence in Research” designation, and their papers are published in the Journal of Undergraduate Research in the Biological Sciences. Through these opportunities, our students gain a depth of understanding and appreciation for research at the highest level that cannot be obtained in any other way.

View Journal Publications

Mentorship

Get Mentored by world class faculty and scientists.

Publish

See your research in a scientific journal.

Distinguish

Boost your post-graduation applications and interviews.

Sharpen

Get critical thinking, writing and communication skills.

Participate

Get involved and participate in a research symposium.

How to Get Started?

  • Participate in the SAME Bio Sci 199 Undergraduate Research lab for at least 4 quarters
  • Attend ONE of the MANDATORY Excellence Informational Workshops offered each November (registration required). 2025-26 workshop dates TBA.
  • Meet all eligibility requirements
Learn more about Bio Sci 199

Interested in other disciplines, opportunities outside UCI, or possible research funding?
> Check out the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

Eligibility Requirements

  • Complete a minimum of four (4) quarters of the same Bio Sci 199 research lab by Spring 2026 (other Schools’ 199s are NOT accepted); additionally, one (1) quarter of Bio Sci 199 must be taken during the 2025-2026 academic year
  • Be enrolled at UCI through Spring quarter and graduate no earlier than Spring 2026*
  • Be in good standing with an official, cumulative UCI GPA of 3.0 or better by Fall 2025
  • Have NO record of academic dishonesty and/or offenses with the UCI Office of Academic Integrity & Student Conduct

Student who have earned Excellence in Research previously are eligible again, provided that all program requirements are met, and the research project is new and distinct from previous year’s work.

*Winter graduates MAY be eligible, please consult the Program Coordinator, Eunice Choi-Yang.

Excellence in Research Packet (available in October)
Access the Excellence in Research Dashboard

Mandatory Informational Workshops

TBA

Workshops expected to be held in November

Please direct any questions about the program or eligibility to Eunice Choi-Yang at ehchoi@uci.edu

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