The Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference: A Showcase of Undergraduate Innovation

The Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC) is an annual event that brings together undergraduate students from across the Commonwealth to present their research, creative portfolios, and community service projects. It is a one-day, in-person public conference held at the UMass Amherst campus.

A Tradition of Undergraduate Research

For over 30 years, MassURC has served as a platform to broaden our understanding of research, showcasing investigations in over 60 subject areas. These areas include a wide array of disciplines, such as biochemistry, history, architecture, marketing, fine arts, and sociology. The conference highlights the diverse and defining research that Massachusetts students are conducting with the support of faculty.

In its 32nd year, MassURC continues to reaffirm the value of curiosity-driven scholarship, especially during a time when academic inquiry faces growing challenges. The conference provides an opportunity for students to share their academic work, whether it involves research, service-learning projects, creative endeavors, or other scholarly activities.

MassURC 2026: Details and Important Dates

Mark your calendars for the 32nd annual MassURC, taking place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at UMass Amherst. Registration and abstract submissions are now open for the 2026 conference. Students interested in presenting have until February 20th to submit their abstract.

Abstract Submission

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. Abstracts will also be publicly viewable prior to the conference, allowing participants and visitors to plan their day.

Read also: Applying to UMass Amherst

The MassURC Hub is your ultimate destination for all conference-related activities, from registering for the conference to submitting, revising, and reviewing abstracts. If you are interested in presenting or are serving as a Faculty Sponsor, please make sure you register to create a user account.

Registration

To register, click on the "Register" button in the navigation menu. If you have not created an account, follow the registration instructions. If you have already registered, click on the "Login" button. You must be logged in to work on an abstract. Once you are logged in, click the “My Profile” button in the navigation bar.

Presentation Guidelines

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. Note that due to limited time and space, each student is allowed to present in only one poster session, either as an individual, or as part of a group. If you are involved in more than one research project, you will need to pick one to present.

Any undergraduate student enrolled at one of the 28 public universities or colleges in Massachusetts is eligible to present. You must have a Faculty Sponsor in order to register as a presenter.

Experiencing MassURC

As you step onto the UMass Amherst campus, you’ll be greeted by the buzz of academic enthusiasm. We encourage attendees to use the Campus Center Parking Garage at 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA. The garage uses a pay-by-plate system that accepts credit cards. After parking, enter your plate number in one of the garage kiosks along with the number of hours you expect to stay.

Read also: UMass Amherst Success Stories

MassURC is open to public viewing, allowing students to engage with attendees, faculty, and researchers who may take interest in their work.

Poster Showcase

Immerse yourself in the midst of MassURC’s bustling poster showcase. These visually engaging presentations allow for in-depth discussions, immediate feedback, and visual representation of your findings. Take this opportunity to also explore the diverse range of research projects showcased by your peers. Connect with fellow attendees, faculty and researchers interested in your work.

Additional Amenities

Enjoy a delectable lunch at UMass Amherst’s renowned #1 in the nation dining locations! We are pleased to offer a sensory decompression room. At MassURC, we are committed to ensuring that every participant has a seamless and enriching experience. Special assistance and accommodations are available to make the conference accessible to everyone.

Benefits of Participation

Presenting at MassURC offers numerous benefits for undergraduate students:

Hone Expertise in Complex Topics: Showcase your ability to synthesize research and convey intricate ideas to a broader audience, enhancing your resume, and providing a compelling talking point in interviews.
Network with Peers: Connect with like-minded students from 28 participating universities.
Engage with Faculty: Interact with professors and fellow undergraduate researchers, for valuable guidance and insight on your research and ideas.
Develop Valuable Skills: Hone public speaking, networking, and communication skills, enhancing your academic and professional journey.
Practice Presentation Skills: Refine your elevator pitch and gain great experience to add to your resume.

By presenting, students gain experience in public speaking, refine their communication skills, and receive valuable feedback on their research. The conference also provides a unique opportunity to network with peers and faculty members from across the Commonwealth.

A Glimpse into Past MassURC Presentations

Past MassURC conferences have featured a wide range of impressive undergraduate research projects. For example, one student compiled data to quantify how nurses and doctors introduced themselves to their patients. Another student developed a survey to assess public trust in various entities regarding climate resiliency. A third student built a model for where clean energy plants should be built in Mexico, providing valuable data for policymakers. Other students have even used innovative techniques to study the metamorphosis of moths, showcasing the breadth and depth of undergraduate research in Massachusetts.

Statewide Partnership

We thank each of our partners for their dedication to research and their commitment to showcasing the work being done by undergraduate students across the commonwealth.

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