The deadline for Summer 2024 NSERC USRA and SURS is: January 24, 2024
The Department of Chemistry is pleased to offer summer research opportunities for outstanding undergraduate students. These awards are meant to stimulate interest in research in chemistry, and to provide opportunities to gain research experience in an academic setting. Two types of awards are available, USRA and SURS, with differing eligibility and application procedures. These are detailed below.
The normal duration of these awards is 16 consecutive weeks with students working at UBC from the end of April or the beginning of May until approximately the end of August. Projects in all areas of chemical research are available. Applicants are encouraged to browse the Departmental website, particularly under the "Research" and "Faculty" links, to familiarize themselves with the breadth of research opportunities available. Students are also encouraged to contact specific faculty members whose research may be of particular interest, and inquire about appropriate summer projects.
NEW! LIST OF PROJECTS FOR SUMMER 2024
*Note: for both the USRA and SURS, students should provide three choices for supervisor in order of preference. The selection committee will try to ensure their 1st choice is granted.
Students who have already contacted a specific faculty member and have arranged a summer project should convey this information in their covering letter, and the Department will ensure the proper paperwork is submitted for that project. Students who have not arranged a project with a specific faculty member will have a project assigned to them. In the latter case, the student should describe in their covering letter the areas of chemistry which interest them so they can be matched with an appropriate project.
Submission Details
Applications should be submitted electronically to summerawards@chem.ubc.ca. Documents should be in legible PDF format.
Inquiries about these awards can be directed to summerawards@chem.ubc.ca.
*** Domestic Students who apply for an NSERC USRA will automatically be considered for SURS as well. No additional application is needed in this case.
The full value ($6,000) of the USRA award will be honored once the application is approved by NSERC. This award is jointly funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Chemistry Department.
For Indigenous and Black students applying to NSERC USRA, students are required to self-identify in Form 202 in order to be considered above the departmental NSERC USRA application limit.
USRA awards are restricted to students in a Major, Combined Major, Combined Major, Honours or Combined Honours Chemistry program who are Canadian Citizens or Landed Immigrants, and who will have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies with a minimum of a B average.
Application Process
Applications for an NSERC USRA will consist of digital copies of:
- Official University transcript(s);
- One page Covering Letter (student should include top three choices for supervisors);
- One page CV (resume)
- NSERC USRA Form 202, Part I (by students), Part II (by supervisors). This form can be completed on-line on the NSERC website www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-ServicesEnLigne/Index_eng.asp)
On the NSERC website, select "On-line System Login", if you already have an NSERC account, or to: "First-Time User? Please Register" if you need an account. Handwritten application forms will not be accepted. Part II of NSERC Form 202 is completed by the Department.
Recipients of this award received a minimum of $7,571.00 for the award duration in 2022. The award value for Summer 2024 will be announced soon. This award is funded by the Chemistry Department.
SURS awards are available to students in a Major, Combined Major, Honours or Combined Honours Chemistry program who are UBC students and have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies with a minimum of a B average. Both Canadian and non-Canadian students are eligible.
Application Process
Applications for an SURS will consist of digital copies of:
- Official University transcript(s);
- One page Covering Letter (student should include top three choices for supervisors);
- One page CV (resume)
- SURS form (This form located here)
Review information about WLIURA https://students.ubc.ca/career/campus-experiences/undergraduate-research/work-learn-international-undergraduate-research-awards
Please note that deadlines to apply differ depending on the option you wish to take.
- If you are planning to submit a Research Proposal WITH a Faculty Member, please submit directly to UBC Careers Online. The deadline to apply is January 30, 2024.
- If WITHOUT a Faculty Member, please apply on UBC Careers Online, the online job board for UBC students. Positions will be advertised from March 11 - 24, 2024.
Application Process
- Official University transcript(s);
- One page Covering Letter (student should include top three choices for supervisors);
- One page CV (resume), and;
- WLIURA form (This form located here).
There is no formal application for SURE award in the Department of Chemistry. Eligible applicants to the NSERC USRA (domestic applicants) or WLIURA (international applicants) who are not offered a position may be considered for the SURE Award.
In 2023 Summer, for positions with duration from 8 to 11 weeks, the award value was $3,000. For more than 11 weeks, the award value was $3,500. The award value for 2024 Summer will be announced soon.