University Libraries Undergraduate Research Contest: Introduction

The University Libraries Undergraduate Research Contest recognizes and rewards outstanding research conducted by undergraduate students at the University of Missouri. Undergraduates in any discipline are invited to enter the contest, which will be judged by a cross-disciplinary panel of librarians.

One $500 scholarship, and one $250 scholarship will be awarded to an individual or group project. The winners will have their projects archived in MOspace, MU’s digital repository.

The research project can be a traditional research paper, a musical composition, a work of art, a video, a web page, or other creative work. It has to have been researched using the resources of the MU Libraries. The project will be judged primarily on the research process method and the materials and services used (as documented in the Research Process Statement).

Examples of projects:

• A set design for theater where the student researched period-appropriate furniture, lighting, and architecture to create the perfect backdrop
• A documentary film for class that researches the history of race relations at MU using library and archive materials
• Composition of a piece of music created in the style of a famous composer informed by research into their style, skills, etc. through library materials
• A business plan for a new company or product showing market need, demographics of customers, patents, design, etc. informed by research using library materials
• A history paper tracing the timeline and outcomes of U.S. military and political involvement with Afghanistan
• A parody of a famous piece of literature or any original piece of fiction for which the author did library research for their setting, criticisms, etc.

The deadline for submission of all materials is January 31, 2024. Winners will be announced in February 2024.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Walker, WalkerJE@missouri.edu