Summer Open And Reproducible Research (SOAR²) Camp

Sep 21-23, 2026, Loma Pelona Center, UCSB

Are you conducting mentored research—or curious about getting started? Want to build practical research skills that you can apply immediately?

The Summer Open And Reproducible Research (SOAR²) Camp is a three-day, hands-on program designed for UCSB undergraduate students who want to navigate research with confidence. Whether you are already involved in a research project or just getting started, SOAR² will help you develop practical skills, understand research expectations, and learn how to contribute to research in transparent and responsible ways.

SOAR² is free to attend, and meals are provided. Upon completion, you will receive a digital badge and a certificate.

Why apply?

In just three days, you will:

• Gain practical skills for working with and organizing data
• Learn how to document your work so others (and your future self) can use it
• Understand how research projects take shape—from start to finish
• Explore what it means to do research openly and responsibly
• Build confidence in communicating your research
• Consider the opportunities and limitations of using generative AI in research
• Leave with a clear plan for your next steps in research

See the MODULES tab for more information about the program, including the tentative schedule and module descriptions.

What to expect?

SOAR² is highly interactive. You’ll participate in:

• Interactive workshops and hands-on activities
• Small-group discussions and collaborative exercises
• Visits to campus research facilities
• A keynote talk from a researcher doing open and reproducible science

Sessions are led by instructors and facilitators from different disciplines, so you’ll gain perspectives that apply across fields.

Who should apply?

No prior research experience required! We welcome applications from all UCSB undergraduate students, whether you have a research project, are interested in getting started in research, or are just curious.

Program dates

Application opens: May 11 - Jun 3, 2026

Decisions released: by mid Jun, 2026

Program dates: Sep 21 - 23, 2026 (between Fall move-in weekend and the start of classes)

How to apply?

APPLY HERE!

Submit your application by Jun 3rd, 11:59 pm Pacific Time. The application includes:

• Basic information about you
• Short statements about your research interests and what you hope to gain from SOAR²

Preview a copy of the application form and evaluation criteria here.

Selection criteria

Successful applications will:

• Thoughtfully engage with a research question, topic, or problem
• Demonstrate curiosity and openness to learning
• Describe how you might explore a question using evidence, data, or other approaches
• Express clear interest in the goals and themes of SOAR²
• Provide specific and reflective responses about your interests and goals

We do not expect advanced technical skills or fully developed research plans. We are more interested in how you think about research.

Questions?

Contact: rds [AT] library.ucsb.edu