Conferences
Research conferences bring researchers together to share their work, exchange ideas, and learn about new developments in their field. As an undergraduate researcher, you may have opportunities to attend conferences, present your research through a poster or talk, and connect with researchers and other students who share your interests.
Participating in a conference can help you develop your research communication skills, receive feedback on your work, learn about other projects, and build your professional network. Conferences range from campus and regional events designed specifically for undergraduate researchers to large national and disciplinary meetings attended by researchers at all career stages. The opportunities below are a starting point for exploring where you might share your work and become part of a broader research community..
Interested in presenting your research? Remember to talk with your research mentor about whether your work is ready to be shared and which conferences may be a good fit. Presenters typically submit an abstract describing their work for review months before being accepted to present at a conference. Your mentor can also help you navigate abstracts, authorship, submission requirements, and funding for conference travel.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Conference information on this page is current as of Aug 2026 and is subject to change. Please consult individual conference websites for the most up-to-date information. Lists on this page are not exhaustive. Opportunities within each section are listed alphabetically; their inclusion or order does not indicate endorsement or recommendations.
UCSB Conferences
UCSB offers a variety of opportunities for undergraduate students to present their research and creative work right here on campus. Conferences and symposia on campus can be a great place to start if you are new to presenting, giving you experience communicating your work, answering questions, and receiving feedback in a supportive environment. Because these events are local and typically have no registration or travel costs, they can also be among the most accessible ways to gain your first conference experience.
| Opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| CSEP Summer Colloquium | Annual event in August, where undergraduate students from various STEM summer research programs (e.g., MARC Scholar, Quantum Foundry) showcase their work. |
| EEMB Undergraduate Research Symposium | Annual event in Spring Quarter hosted by the Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EEMB) department. Students present their research in flash talks, longer presentations, and poster sessions. |
| Research and Creative Activities Conference (RACA-CON) | Annual conference in Fall Quarter hosted by the College of Creative Studies (CCS). The event showcases original undergraduate research, art, and innovation spanning all nine CCS majors through short talks, poster presentations, and visual displays. |
| URCA Week | Annual event in Spring Quarter hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) to celebrate undergraduate research and creative accomplishments. Students across all academic departments present their scholarly work through poster sessions, oral presentations, demonstrations, and competitive lightning talks. |
Regional Conferences
Regional conferences bring together undergraduate researchers from colleges and universities across a geographic area. Presenting beyond UCSB gives you an opportunity to share your work with a new audience, learn about research happening at other institutions, and connect with a broader community of students and researchers. Regional conferences may involve registration fees and travel expenses, so be sure to plan ahead and explore available travel funding.
| Opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference (PURC) | Annual day-long event in the Spring hosted by UCLA showcasing undergraduate research across psychology and related disciplines through poster sessions and paper presentations. The conference welcomes undergraduate researchers from UCLA and other universities and colleges to share their work. |
| Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research (SCCUR) | Annual conference in the Fall for undergraduate students across all disciplines. It brings student presenters from institutions across SoCal and beyond to present their research and creative work, engage in professional development, and connect with faculty and peers. |
| Summer Research Conference at UCSD | Annual conference held at UCSD at the end of summer that showcases faculty-mentored summer research by undergraduate students through panel presentations. It’s open to undergraduate researchers across all academic fields from community colleges, public and private universities, and research institutions. |
| West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference (WCBSURC) | Annual one-day event for undergraduate students to present original research in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and related fields. Students can share their work through oral presentations or poster sessions while connecting with peers and faculty from institutions across the West Coast and across the country. |
National Conferences
National conferences give you the opportunity to share your work with researchers and students from across the country while gaining experience in a larger professional setting. Some of the conferences listed below are specifically dedicated to undergraduate research, while others have a strong undergraduate presence alongside graduate students, faculty, and other researchers. In addition to presenting your work, these conferences often provide opportunities to explore graduate programs and careers, participate in professional development, and build connections within a broader research community. Because attending may involve significant registration and travel costs, plan ahead and look for travel awards or other funding opportunities.
| Opportunity | Description |
|---|---|
| Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists (ABRCMS) | Conference hosted by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) with a strong emphasis on supporting emerging scientists and developing the scientific workforce. Undergraduate students can submit research for oral, poster, or ePoster presentations and participate in scientific sessions, professional development, mentoring, and graduate-school and career exploration. |
| Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference in STEM | Annual conference that brings together undergraduate and graduate students from across the country to present their research and develop skills for STEM careers. Undergraduate students can submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations, participate in professional development, and explore graduate programs and career opportunities. |
| National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) | Annual multidisciplinary conference dedicated specifically to undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity. Students from institutions across the country and across disciplines, from the arts and humanities to STEM and the social sciences, are welcome. |
| Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) Annual Conference | National STEM conference that brings together students and professionals for research presentations, professional development, networking, and career exploration. Undergraduate students can apply to present their research and receive feedback and mentoring from researchers in their fields. |
Finding Conferences in Your Field
So far, this page has focused on conferences with an undergraduate-researcher focus. They are only a starting point. We also encourage you to explore conferences in your field of study. Many professional and disciplinary organizations host regular meetings (e.g., annually, biennially) where researchers at all career stages can present posters, talks, or other scholarly and creative work. Explore professional organizations related to your field, and ask your mentors which conferences are important in your area of research.
When exploring a conference, look for information about student participation, presentation formats, submission deadlines, registration fees, and available travel funding or student awards.