The University of Alabama’s annual Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference provides an opportunity for students from every college to showcase research projects.

The conference, which will take place at Bryant Conference Center on April 9, was initiated by the College of Arts and Sciences in 2002 but has since expanded to include all colleges in the University.

Students who participate have the chance to win cash prizes for both oral and poster presentations in their respective fields. The eligibility of a wide range of research topics creates a diverse environment for students who participate and attend the event.

“It is a unique opportunity to showcase research and creativity,” said Brad Lee, coordinator for the event. “Any type of research or creative endeavor is welcome; everything from chemical engineering research to musical projects falls under some category.”

Either the dean of their college or other faculty judges from their area of study evaluate students’ work. The office of research provides logistic help for the event, but each college determines its own winners within itself.

The event is anticipated to be even larger than last year’s event, which included over 280 participants.

In order to speed up the flow this year, the department of research has decided to split up participation into two shifts. Arts and Sciences students will present their projects in the morning, and students from other colleges will have the opportunity to present in the afternoon.

Another important change is the addition of an awards lunch, where winning students will be presented their awards in front of department chairs, mentors and other creative personnel.

“We created the lunch as a way to give students a pat on the back,” Lee said. “Many of these students have been working on their research for years, and this is a great opportunity to show them respect in front of important faculty.”

The event does not only cater to students participating in research, but is also an opportunity for students to become aware of research going on at the University. Students who are interested in research are encouraged to attend in order to learn about research opportunities and become aware of other students projects.

“Not only is this conference a great opportunity for undergraduates to showcase research that they do with faculty mentors, it is also a great opportunity for other students to come and see the diversity of research and projects on our campus,” said Lauren Wilson, the sponsor for the event.

Interested students can register online at www.osp.ua.edu/UndergradResearch. Students who register will be asked to submit an abstract describing the project in addition to their application. The deadline for applications has been extended to 5 p.m. on March 19.