What is RURS?
RURS is a research symposium held April 12, 2013 in Tudor Fieldhouse. RURS is open to undergraduates in all disciplines who would like to present research, design, or creative work produced on or off campus in the past year. Participants present their research via poster or oral presentation and receive feedback from a panel of judges comprised of faculty, community leaders, and graduate students. Featured as part of the Rice Admissions Weekend, this event draws a large audience from Rice and the community.
Who can participate in RURS?
RURS is open to any undergraduate who would like to present research conducted since May 2012. The research can be in any major or discipline: Architecture, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences, or Social Sciences. You have the choice of a traditional poster presentation or a ten minute oral presentation. For more information visit the Presentation Guidelines and Resources page.
Why should I participate in RURS?
RURS is an opportunity to gain valuable experience in presenting your research and learning how to communicate your interests to a range of audiences. . You will receive feedback on your research and presentation from judges comprised of faculty, community leaders, and graduate students. You will also automatically compete for prizes.
How to do I sign up?
Registration occurs through this website. Please visit our registration page for more information. Abstracts may be no more than 200 words long.
Can I present research conducted with a faculty member from an outside university?
Yes, as long as the research was conducted sometime between May 2012 and April 2013.
Are there dimension requirements for my poster?
Yes, your poster, including any borders, attachments, or other associated elements, may not be larger than 3 feet tall by 4 feet long.
My research is in humanities or social sciences and does not make sense as a poster presentation. Can I still participate in RURS?
Yes, you can! RURS offers an oral presentation option for projects in the humanities and social sciences. Students will present for 8 minutes and field questions from a panel of faculty judges for 2 minutes. Find more information on our Presentation Guidelines and Resources page.
Can I submit an architecture or visual and dramatic arts project to RURS?
Yes! This year’s event features special sections dedicated to showcasing Architecture and VADA projects. Additionally, you are welcome to submit an artists’ statement in lieu of an abstract if that makes more sense for your project.
My research is in the early stages. Can I still participate?
It depends. By the time of the symposium you should have at least preliminary results. While your abstract may only present hypothetical results, judges will expect to see some conclusion to your project during your presentation. If your project will not meet this requirement, then we look forward to learning about your research at the RURS 2014 event!
I don’t know how to begin my abstract. Who can I speak to for help?
We offer abstract and poster help sessions leading up to the symposium. Sessions are organized by school. Dates and times will be announced shortly. Please visit the abstract page for more information.
Will I automatically be accepted to participate in RURS?
You will be accepted as long as your research mentor approves your abstract. Once you submit, your mentor will receive an email asking him to approve the abstract. Please consult your mentor in advance of the abstract deadline to ensure that it will be accepted.
Why does my mentor need to approve the abstract in order for me to participate?
Since the abstracts will be published, it is important that your mentor is aware of the content and that unpublished results are not disseminated prematurely. Please consult your mentor in advance to ensure that your abstract will be accepted.
Can I revise my abstract after submission? What if there have been major developments in my research?
You will not be able to revise your abstract after submission. Because of printing deadlines related to the abstract book, we will not be able to incorporate revisions. You should, however, present your most current results at the symposium.
Can I submit two or more research projects?
You can only submit two projects if one is an individual project and one is a group project. You may not submit more than one individual project.
Can I invite family, friends, or other faculty to RURS?
Yes! The more the merrier.
Are there prizes?
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we are pleased to announce that there will be prizes this year. Please visit the PRIZES page for more information.
What should I wear to RURS?
You should dress in business formal. Think suits.
I’m a Rice student who isn’t presenting at RURS. Should I attend the symposium?
Yes! RURS is a great chance to see different research opportunities available on campus while supporting your friends. Come learn about conducting research at Rice!