As part of a Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) initiative to commit $2 million to the expansion of undergraduate research opportunities over the next four years, a proposal for $50,000 from the LFS Associate Dean, Research portfolio has been approved. LFS is pleased to announce that it will use these funds to support ten (10) new undergraduate research opportunities for the summer (May – August) of 2025.
The deadline for applying to the LFS Expanded Undergraduate Research Opportunities (EURO) program is 5 pm, Monday April 7, 2025.
Eligibility
Eligible supervisors must be tenure track research or teaching stream LFS faculty members. Co-supervisors may be collaborators: LFS postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, LFS faculty associates, researchers from other institutions.
Eligible students must be enrolled in a UBC undergraduate program.
Program Requirements
- Each EURO award will consist of $5,000 in VPRI funding, which LFS supervisors will be required to match, at minimum, at the 1:1 level.
- EURO supported research terms are intended to be a full-time activity (35 hours paid hours/week plus a 1-hour/day unpaid lunch break). Students are allowed to take a maximum of two (2) courses during the tenure of award.
- For the student’s salary, BC’s minimum wage requirements must be met. For example, if the student is doing a 16-week work-term from May 1 – Aug 20, 2025, the minimum pay for the tenure of the award will be $10,197.10, inclusive of 4% vacation pay. In addition, supervisors are required to fund benefits (CPP, EI, WCB, BC EHT)) amounting to approximately 10.47% of the monthly wage so that the total funds awarded the student would be: $11,264.74 over the 16-week term. After subtracting the $5,000 in EURO support, this entails a minimum PI top-up of $6,264.74. Alternatively, the PI can choose to match the award at the 1:1 level and support the student with the above minimum wage restrictions but over a shorter time frame (approximately 14 weeks).
- Work terms are required to be 14-16 weeks long. Under exceptional circumstances, students can work less than 14 consecutive weeks (prior approval from Associate Dean Research is needed).
- Awardees will be required to submit a final report on the research activities undertaken by September 12, 2025.
Application Process
Students who are interested in holding a EURO position at LFS will be required to contact eligible faculty directly and arrange to apply with their confirmed supervisor. Students and Supervisors are invited to submit an application to the LFS EURO program that includes:
- A completed LFS Expanded Undergraduate Research Opportunities (EURO) application form
- A copy of student’s transcripts
- A two-page CV from the student
- A one-page statement of research interests from the student that describes how the proposed EURO position will help advance them toward their career objectives. In writing their personal statements, students are encouraged to reflect on how the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) have shaped their research perspectives. Recognizing that diverse viewpoints, equitable access, and inclusive practices strengthen scientific inquiry, this reflection invites students to consider how EDI principles contribute to rigorous, innovative research and help foster a professional environment where all voices are valued and respected.
Applications (application form plus all attachments submitted as a single PDF file) should be sent to lfs.research@ubc.ca by 5 pm, Monday April 7, 2025.
LFS Selection Criteria
- 1/3 Academic Excellence – Based on student academic record: course transcripts and awards listed in the application form.
- 1/3 Research Potential – Based on:
- Student’s two-page CV
- Student’s one-page statement of interest, outlining research interests and career goals
- Project description
- 1/3 Expected quality of the training and mentorship to be received – Based on the supervisor’s description of the student role and the expected quality of the training to be received
LFS Review Process for EURO
Adjudication will be based on the Tri-Council Guidance on selection criteria and indicators for USRA applications (consult p15, Appendix in that document). Applications will be reviewed by a review panel using the above selection criteria, whose membership consists of:
- the Associate Dean of Research;
- LFS Program Directors;
- other faculty members as deemed necessary by the Panel.
Decisions will be announced by April 17, 2025, with the position start date in May, 2025.
Have a question?
Please contact lfs.research@ubc.ca if you have any questions.