About UROP

Our Motivation

We are motivated by the promise of undergraduate research and creative scholarship. The benefits of conducting research are noteworthy. Through rigorous research experiences, students can make gains in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, writing and various other academic and professional skills.  Students that participate in research experience gains in self-confidence and independence; are more resilient in the face of obstacles; gain clarity of their academic and personal goals; and develop the skills that graduate schools and employers are looking for.  UROP is dedicated to assisting every interested student in finding an opportunity to explore their interests through research and creative scholarship.

Our Inspiration

We are inspired by the history of research and creative scholarship at the University of Oregon.  As the state’s flagship institution and only member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, the UO has a long history of research excellence. But perhaps more important is that the UO has an incredible history of teaching students to think independently and boldly, to nurture their inquisitive minds, to move from consumers to creators, and to do so with a clear idea of the impact their work can have and how they can make a difference in the world.

UO students have a real opportunity to contribute to the creation of new knowledge and scholarship under the mentorship of world renowned faculty.  Whether it is running experiments in a lab, participating in a community planning workshop, or designing new products for commercial or industrial purposes, undergraduate students have opportunities to perform research and creative scholarship in every discipline.  The achievements of our students and faculty, and the difference they make in the community, region, and around the world, inspire us.

Inquiry: Research and creative scholarship begins with inquiry.  UROP believes that this simple action should be fostered in all undergraduates, and that inquiry should be a principle factor in the design of undergraduate teaching and research activities.

Discovery: Conducting research and creative scholarship involves the collection and transmission of knowledge in its processes, however, UROP believes that the ultimate goal should be discovery – of new knowledge, of new practices, and of new expressions of creativity.

Critical Thinking: The ability to think critically is perhaps the most important skill a student can gain from an undergraduate education.  Developing this skill is crucial for succeeding in a knowledge economy.  Being able to quickly analyze information and form objective and critical perspectives will allow UO graduates to make effective decisions in their personal and professional lives.  Critical thinking is but one of many skills and abilities that students experience positive gains in through conducting undergraduate research and creative scholarship.

Disciplinary Definitions of Research and Creative Scholarship: UROP purposefully does not adopt a definition of undergraduate research and creative scholarship.  We do this with the utmost respect to how each discipline defines research, their methods, and their processes. This approach also aligns with our value of inclusiveness.  UROP does, however, affirm some key characteristics and outcomes of undergraduate research and creative scholarship experiences.

Inclusiveness: UROP affirms the University’s commitment to equity, to diversity, and to the development of faculty, students, administration, and staff who will participate effectively in a global society.  To this end, the resources and services of UROP are available to students and faculty from every corner of campus.  We encourage those that are interested in undergraduate research and creative scholarship to contact us to see how we can help each other, and we are eager to work with the UO community to advance scholarship on campus.