Undergraduate Research at Zayed University

“At Zayed University, undergraduate research is where curiosity meets discovery—and where our students become global leaders of tomorrow.”

At Zayed University, undergraduate research is more than an academic opportunity—it is central to who we are. We believe that engaging students in the process of discovery builds critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

It is the University’s ambition to be recognized not only as a regional leader but also as an international leader in undergraduate research. Our students, working closely with faculty mentors, explore questions of local and global significance, contribute to new knowledge, and strengthen the culture of innovation that defines ZU.

Undergraduate research experiences take many forms, from faculty-mentored projects to participation in symposia and international conferences. Together, these opportunities equip students to pursue graduate studies, launch professional careers, and make meaningful contributions to society.

ZU’s signature initiative is the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP)—an intensive, year-long extracurricular program that provides:

Image representing Student doing research at ZU

Individual mentorship with ZU faculty to guide students in developing and executing their own research projects.

Specialized workshops and training to build advanced research, writing, and presentation skills.

Opportunities to present at ZU symposia, national events, and international conferences.

Preparation for graduate study and careers, giving students a competitive edge in the global job market.

The URSP develops the skills and confidence needed to succeed at the highest academic levels while preparing students to compete and thrive on the global stage.

[Learn more about the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program →]

ZU Students on the Global Stage

Zayed University students have a long and successful history of excelling in research at the international level. From presenting at global conferences to winning recognition for their innovative projects, our undergraduates consistently demonstrate the skills and confidence needed to perform on the world stage. Their ability to design and conduct independent research projects makes them highly sought after by local employers, who value graduates with the capacity to analyze problems, generate evidence, and deliver solutions.

ZU’s International Research Partnerships

Zayed University is an active member of leading international associations devoted to undergraduate research. As a proud partner in the International Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR), ZU provides its students with opportunities to share their work in a truly global forum.

Established in 2013 by Monash University and the University of Warwick, ICUR fosters international connections and interdisciplinary conversations between undergraduates worldwide. The conference provides a rigorous yet supportive space for students to present their research, engage in dialogue across cultures, and receive feedback from peers and mentors—without leaving their home campus, thanks to advanced video-conferencing technology.

Through partnerships like ICUR, Zayed University strengthens its mission to connect students with the global research community and amplify their impact far beyond the classroom.

[Learn more about the ZU’s participation in this consortium of prestigious global universities → www.icurportal.com]

"Zayed University is a proud partner of the International Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR), connecting our students to a global network of peers and giving them the opportunity to showcase their work on an international stage."

ZU to Host the 2027 World Congress on Undergraduate Research

In recognition of Zayed University’s dedication to excellence in undergraduate research, the institution has been selected to host the World Congress on Undergraduate Research (WorldCUR) in 2027. This prestigious event brings together students from across the globe to share their research, exchange ideas, and build international networks.

WorldCUR is one of the largest platforms in the world dedicated exclusively to undergraduate research, showcasing work across all disciplines. The Congress convenes once every three years at a leading global university. Previous hosts include Qatar University (2016), the University of Oldenburg (2019), and the University of Warwick (2023). Each meeting draws hundreds of delegates from dozens of countries, creating a vibrant and diverse forum for discovery.

By serving as the 2027 host, Zayed University affirms its ambition to be recognized as a regional and international leader in undergraduate research, while providing its students with the opportunity to engage with peers and mentors from around the world—right here in the UAE.

[Learn more about the WorldCUR2027 →]