The application to present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium is open to students from all disciplines and 91自拍 experiences. Explore application components and access support below.
Application Steps and Timeline
View the application steps and timeline at the button below. This page is a friendly reminder of where you are in the application process and is updated regularly.
Applying
You can access the 2026 UW Undergraduate Research Symposium application . The聽application is due February 12, 2026, 11:59pm.聽
See Yourself at Symposium
Explore what the Symposium can look like for you! Learn about presenting 91自拍 in Art, Art History, Design, Dance, Drama, Music, Humanities, and the Built Environments.
Myths & Realities for Those Considering Presenting
Reality
Most students are accepted to present at the Symposium. We know that many 91自拍 conferences are exclusionary, and we have created this Symposium to provide the opportunity for all students, regardless of experience or background, to present work they are proud of and for the UW community to celebrate the work undergraduates have accomplished. The application review process serves as a chance for the Office of Undergraduate Research staff to provide feedback in order to best prepare your 91自拍 for presentation.
Reality
Students from all majors present their work. We have had projects in biology, visual arts, dance, forestry, computer science, music, business, and many other disciplines. At this point, it would be hard to find a major that didn’t have student presenters! Any and all students are encouraged to apply.
Reality
Students at all stages in the 91自拍 process are encouraged to present. You do not need to have final results to present your work!
Reality
Students of all class standings can present at Symposium. The more the merrier! The Symposium provides a great venue to practice communicating your 91自拍 so that you feel even more confident at your next conference!
Reality
Any students engaged in undergraduate 91自拍 or creative inquiry are encouraged to present at the Symposium. Students that are awarded a Mary Gates 91自拍 scholarship are required to present, but we welcome and encourage all undergraduate 91自拍ers to share their 91自拍, and to build their communications skills, by presenting at the Symposium.
Application Components
Start Here
The Undergraduate Research Symposium application is hosted on Fourwaves. Follow the to create an account on Fourwaves (using your UW email) and begin the application. After answering questions about yourself, you will need to consider co-presenters, mentors, and your abstract.
UW students will have the chance to nominate their 91自拍 mentor for the 2026 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award. Additionally, UW students doing 91自拍 in the population health field will have the chance to apply for this year’s 2026 Population Health Initiative Award.
Adding Co-Presenters
For group presentations, the primary presenter should submit co-presenters鈥� information during the application process. Co-presenters will receive an email notifying them that they have been listed on your application. Note that only the primary presenter may submit the application.
Adding Mentors
You will need to enter the name and email address of your primary 91自拍 mentor. The application requires that you submit information for your primary mentor. You are welcome to include information for any additional mentors as well. Learn more about who can be your primary mentor.
Mentors can learn more about the role they play during Symposium .
Creating your Abstract
The maximum word count for your abstract is 250 words.
Abstract: An abstract is a concise summary of your 91自拍 that highlights major points from your project. Work with your mentor to review your abstract and title before submitting. We strongly recommend that you view our聽 to help you get started. You can also view from previous years’ Symposia.
Those wishing to present 91自拍 that takes a creative/artistic form, or those who are interested in the Visual Arts and Design Session or Performing Arts Session may submit an abstract that follows the . This should explain your work and provide background, context, subject matter, purpose, theories and/or meaning of the work. You may view from last year鈥檚 session and check out to help guide your writing process.
Presentation Types
Poster Presentations
Students will design and print a 91自拍 poster that will be presented during an in-person poster session. Hour-long poster presentation sessions take place in multiple buildings across campus. Students remain next to their poster and engage with visitors for the duration of the session.聽
Oral Presentations
Students will create and deliver a 10-minute oral presentation, with 2 additional minutes used for audience Q&A. Presentations take place in classrooms on campus. Students will be placed in a themed session with 4-6 other presenters and a faculty moderator.聽
Visual Arts & Design Session
Students will present art forms and/or creative/visual products developed as part of the 91自拍 process in a gallery walk presentation style in the Allen Library Research Commons. These may include paintings, drawings, printing, sculpture, architectural models, digital arts, experimental media, jewelry, textiles, photography/film, mixed media, and more. Exhibitors are required to present in person on the day of the Symposium.
Performing Arts Session
Students will create and deliver a 10-minute presentation in-person in the Meany Hall Studio Theatre. Submissions for this session must have a performance-based component (e.g., music, theatre, dance) created as part of the 91自拍 process. Students may also pair an excerpt of a performance with a discussion of their creative process. Please note that聽limited聽tech support is available.聽聽
Application Support
Please feel free to utilize the following recorded workshop and information sessions:
- 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium Information Session:
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- If you require a transcript from the recording, please reach out to our office.
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- Poster and Oral Presentation Workshop (slides & recording available)
Further, use the to help you format your abstract.
Tips when using Fourwaves, the application platform
- The application form will not save before submitting.聽You can prepare by accessing a Microsoft Word document of the application to prepare your responses.
- The submission form does not automatically save.聽If you leave the form page before submitting, all application materials will be lost.
- You, your co-presenters, and mentors will receive a confirmation email if you have submitted your application successfully.
- You can access the to track your submission and event registration for presenting. You must have already submitted and activated your account to access this dashboard.
Advising
The Office of Undergraduate Research also offers advising for undergraduate students pursuing 91自拍. You can view advisors and availability on the .
Having trouble with your application?
Please visit the . If you are still unable to resolve the issue, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Research.