Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC)

Why Present?

Presenting at MassURC offers the opportunity to share your academic work—whether it involves research, service-learning projects, creative endeavors, or other scholarly activities. It also allows you to practice your presentation skills, refine your elevator pitch, and gain great experience to add to your resume. The conference provides a platform to explore a wide range of projects presented by your peers, fostering networking, idea exchange, and intellectual growth.

MassURC is open to public viewing, allowing students to engage with attendees, faculty, and researchers who may take interest in their work. This exposure can lead to future collaborations and deeper academic curiosity.

Who is Eligible

Any undergraduate student enrolled at one of the 28 public universities or colleges in Massachusetts is eligible to present. Students may choose any topic that reflects academic exploration and innovation.

Breadth: Disciplines and Types of Research

MassURC presenters have showcased projects across more than 60 subject areas, including architecture, biochemistry, fine art, history, marketing, sociology, and many others.

Format

MassURC is a one-day, in-person public conference held at the UMass Amherst campus. Each presenter is provided with a board to display their poster during a 45-minute session in a room with many other presenters and their posters. Based on last year’s attendance, there will be six poster board sessions throughout the day.

How to Become a Presenter

Create an account in the MassURC Hub.
- You must have a Faculty Sponsor in order to register as a presenter. Your faculty sponsor is there to assist you with the abstract writing process and much review and approve your abstract submission.
Submit your abstract in the ‘Abstract Submission’ field.
- Abstracts are limited to 250 words, typically two to three paragraphs.
- Note: Monitor the word count as you type. If it appears in green, you are within the recommended range.
After submitting your abstract, your Faculty Sponsor will need to approve your submission.
- If your abstract is not approved it will be marked as ‘Needs Revision’ and you will have to resubmit your abstract until your Faculty Sponsor approves it.

Important Information

The Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference is open to the public during all presentation sessions on April 17, 2026. Abstracts will also be publicly viewable prior to the conference, allowing participants and visitors to plan their day. Students, family members, educators, and anyone interested in undergraduate research are welcome to attend.

Concerned You’re Just Beginning Your Research?

Students interested in presenting have until February 20th to submit their abstract. The abstract should describe the scope and intent of your research. It is understood that undergraduate projects often evolve, so your abstract does not need to precisely reflect your final presentation. Minor discrepancies are acceptable and expected as part of the research process.