2026
Research Exploration Fair
SEPTEMBER 21, 2026
3:00 – 5:00 PM
Illini Union Rooms A, B, C, and South Lounge
Curious about getting involved in research as an undergraduate? Looking for talented undergraduate students to join your research group or program?
Join us at the 2026 Research Exploration Fair, a campus-wide event presented by the Grainger College of Engineering. Whether you’re exploring research for the first time or interested in graduate programs, this is the place to explore and connect with research at Illinois and beyond
Stop by, grab a cookie, and enjoy conversations about ground-breaking research and how you can get involved.
Undergraduate Students
Explore Opportunities
Explore the wide range of research experiences available at Illinois and connect directly with the people, organizations, and programs who can help you get started in research or leverage your research experience for the next step.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn from:
- Research groups and laboratories recruiting undergraduate researchers
- Industry representatives and Research Park companies offering research-focused internships
- Summer research programs
- National laboratories
- Campus resources that support undergraduate research, including the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Division of Research Safety
- Scholarship opportunities
- Research-focused Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)
- Undergraduate and graduate student researchers presenting research posters
A full list of participating research groups and organizations will be posted in late August.
Present your Research
The Research Exploration Fair is also an excellent venue to present your research! Use this link to register for the Research Exploration Fair poster session.
Registration Deadline: August 31, 2026
Research Groups, Programs, and Organizations
The Research Opportunities Fair provides a unique opportunity to connect with motivated undergraduate students from across the Grainger College of Engineering and the broader Illinois community.
We invite participation from:
- Faculty research groups and laboratories across the university
- Graduate students recruiting undergraduate researchers
- Research centers and institutes
- Industry recruiters
- Research Park companies
- National laboratories
- Summer research programs and REUs
- Campus units that support research and innovation
- Research-focused student organizations
Participating organizations can showcase their work, discuss current projects, recruit undergraduate researchers, and build awareness of the many pathways students can take to become involved in research.
Interested in participating? Complete the registration form to reserve your spot today.
Participants may choose between:
- Booth Table — Includes a display partition, table, and chairs
- Poster Presentation — Includes a display partition for mounting and presenting your research poster
Registration Deadline: August 31, 2026.