What is URIS?
Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) is a prestigious programme aimed to strengthen academic curiosity and enquiry-based learning among undergraduate students. It is our University's objective to nurture the next generation researchers and innovators. Under URIS, undergraduate students will be given the opportunities to undertake research projects under the guidance and supervision of academic staff who are strong in research. Students enrolled in URIS will be automatically admitted to the virtual College of Undergraduate Researchers and Innovators (CURI), which organizes and manages the programme and activities under URIS. With effect from 1 December 2021, both URIS and CURI are under the administration of Graduate School (GS).
Why undergraduate research?
There are several reasons why undergraduate students should gain research experience. First, research work can ignite academic curiosity which is the basic characteristic of an intellectual. Second, research engagement can sharpen high-order thinking skills such as logical thinking, creative thinking, and critical thinking. Third, through research work, students are transformed from merely "consumers" of knowledge to "creators" of knowledge. Fourth, although research work is challenging, it is interesting and fun. Finally, with the growing emphasis on research and innovation in Hong Kong and elsewhere, research experience can enable students to explore more career opportunities after graduation.
Is Group Project allowed?
Group projects on the same research topic are allowed but each student should work on a different research problem and submit a separate individual application and proposal. The chief supervisor should indicate the applications as group research project. Each application is accessed individually by the selection panel.Each student should submit one application only. All applications must be submitted via the online application system by completing the application form and attaching a research project proposal with staged objectives, milestones and deliverables. Prior consent from the proposed chief supervisor is required.
How to find a supervisor?
Students may contact any academic staff at the level of Assistant Professor or above at PolyU to be the project Chief Supervisor. Research Assistant Professor can serve as a co-supervisor. The research interests of staff are available under the "People" tab of the department's website. Students may also
- find the list of academic staff who have expressed interests in supervising students at Supervisor List; and
- search for researchers' profiles at the Open Platform for University Scholars at https://research.polyu.edu.hk/en/.
The Graduate School reserves the right to modify the programme and its related regulations as deemed necessary without prior notice. For programme details, please refer to the URIS Handbook.
To apply for URIS 2023/24, please submit your application before 12 May 2023 22 May 2023 (extended deadline) via here.
