NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) and Science Undergraduate Research Award/Science Emerging Research Award (SURA/SERA)

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is now processing “pre-applications” from 2nd, 3rd and 4th year Mathematics and Statistics students for the 2024-2025 NSERC competition for Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) and the 2024 Science Undergraduate Research Awards (SURA/SERA). 

IMPORTANT - DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS PROCEDURES: *Mathematics and Statistics USRA/SURA application procedures may differ from other Faculty of Science Department procedures, therefore, please review the instructions below very carefully.


Award Information:

The USRA program is designed for undergraduate students who wish to carry out a research project under the supervision of an NSERC-funded Faculty Member at UVic. Please follow the Instructions below if you are interested in applying. You can read more about the eligibility and program requirements by visiting NSERC website.


A second and parallel program is the Science Undergraduate Research Awards/Science Emerging Research Awards (SURA/SERA) funded by the Faculty of Science at UVic. The SURA/SERA are research awards with program requirements and financial aspects that differ slightly from that of the USRA. Please follow the instructions above if you are interested in applying. You can read more about the eligibility and program details here.

Instructions for award applications:
These undergraduate research opportunities are an excellent way to get introduced to research in mathematics and statistics, and are a natural precursor to graduate studies.

If you are interested in either of the above awards, please complete the pre-application form (available soon) no later than Friday, February 2nd, 2024 at 11.59pm. This is the first step to the application. If approved, you will be invited to submit a formal application by Monday, February 26th to start the official application process. Please login to Microsoft 365 using your netlink ID to fill out the pre-application form.


*Again, keep in mind, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics has a pre-application process.

Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA)

The Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA) offer exceptional undergraduate students the opportunity to carry out research in their field of study. The projects are then displayed in poster format at the JCURA fair in March every year.

Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA)

The Valerie Kuehne Undergraduate Research Awards (VKURA) provide an opportunity for first year students to gain research-enriched and applied experiences in their discipline or field of study. Students gain first-hand experience in planning and undertaking research or creative works.

PIMS VXML is all about getting undergraduate students involved in research mathematics. Motivated students will work with leading researchers on exciting projects and perform cutting edge mathematical research.

PIMS VXML is open to undergraduate students at any of the PIMS Member or Affiliate Member Universities. You must be prepared to commit around 6-8 hours per week working on the project and meeting with the other members of your project team. When applying you’ll be asked to tell us about your mathematical interests and pick from a list of potential projects.

Upon completion, undergraduate team members will receive a certificate from PIMS attesting to their participation in undergraduate research in the mathematical sciences via the VXML.

Student applications are now open and will close on November 5th.