Undergraduate Research Competition

Promote scientific research among undergraduate students

Background Information

Under the Patronage of HE Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Abu Dhabi University is organizing and hosting the 11^th Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition (URIC) on Thursday, 23 May 2024. This year, the competition will once again adopt a hybrid format, enabling students in the UAE to attend on campus and providing virtual participation options for those residing overseas.

About the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition

Our mission is to propel scientific research to new heights, recognizing its pivotal role in advancing our nation. The Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition is dedicated to inspiring universities across the GCC and MENA region to integrate scientific research into undergraduate education. By doing so, we aim to cultivate lifelong learning, boost career prospects for the youth, and foster entrepreneurial mindsets in education, research, and innovation.

Aligning with National Goals

This competition aligns seamlessly with the United Arab Emirates government's commitment to fostering innovation. Globally recognized as a champion of knowledge-based economies, the UAE emphasizes the need for active student involvement in research to elevate the country's innovation systems.

History of the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition

The competition has witnessed impressive growth over its lifespan, attracting undergraduate students from all over the UAE and GCC region. The URIC is the largest undergraduate research event in the GCC and MENA region and targets all major disciplines. Last year, approximately 400 research papers were presented from 25 disciplines by teams representing 64 universities from 14 participating countries across the region.

Essence of Student Research

At its core, student research embodies the essence of learning. It is a creative, absorbing, and challenging experience that provides students with a firsthand understanding of scholarly exploration—an integral aspect of academic thinking. The culmination of this academic pursuit is the one-day symposium, where student presentations will be evaluated by a distinguished committee representing academia and industry. Winners will be unveiled during the closing session, receiving awards that not only recognize their achievements but also support their research endeavors. These awards play a crucial role in fortifying the critical and analytical thinking skills of the winning students. By boosting confidence in their research abilities, the competition empowers them to explore new frontiers within their fields of study, laying a solid foundation for future graduate-level studies.

Networking and Collaboration

Participation in the research competition offers a unique chance to connect with some of the brightest young minds in the country. Leading student researchers from various universities across the UAE and GCC will attend, providing an enriching opportunity for interaction and collaboration.

Awards

For each subcategory, prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third positions.

• First Place will be awarded AED 5,000.
• Second Place will be awarded AED 3,000.
• Third Place will be awarded AED 2,000.
• Research Innovation Winning Teams will be awarded AED 10,000, each.