Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research

The Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research (SPUR) is a research program exclusively available to undergraduate students and faculty in the Rausser College of Natural Resources. SPUR encourages Rausser faculty and undergraduates to collaborate on research projects by providing a grant to support their joint project. Participating in SPUR is an excellent way for undergraduates to gain experience in research and build relationships with faculty. The program welcomes students of all levels of research experience. 

Students may participate in the SPUR program by applying to a faculty-initiated project or by creating a student-initiated project.  Faculty may participate by submitting a faculty-initiated project in which undergraduate researchers can gain useful research experience. The funding for this program is generously donated by alumni of the College.

The program assists undergraduates seeking research experience by posting available opportunites at the beginning of each fall, spring, and summer term.  Eligible students who have identified a project or topic that they would like to pursue are encouraged to seek a Rausser faculty mentor to assist them. 

Faculty-Initiated SPUR 

Faculty-Initiated SPUR projects provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to work with world-renowned faculty, graduate students, and staff researchers in the Rausser College of Natural Resources (RCNR).  The Office of Instruction & Student Affairs (OISA) facilitates the application process between research laboratories and undergraduate applicants.  Through SPUR, OISA provides faculty $500 in funding per student (for up to 2 students) accepted into an approved Faculty-Initiated Project.  The program is meant to welcome students at all levels of research experience.   

Information for faculty looking to submit their projects for consideration can be found on the Faculty-Initiated SPUR Instructions. 

Faculty can submit projects for consideration for the Fall 2026 semester from May 5th-July 17th at 4PM.

For Student Applicants: 

Please review the SPUR Faculty-Initiated Application and Selection Process Instructions.

Students apply to a maximum of 3 faculty-initiated projects from August 18th-September 1st. 

SPUR-Faculty Initiated Project postings for Fall 2026 can be viewed here. Applications will open on August 18th at 4pm.

Important Dates

  • May 5: Faculty-Initiated application window opens.

  • June 17: Student-Initiated application window opens.

  • July 17 at 4pm: Student- and Faculty-Initiated applications are due.

  • Late July to early August : Students and faculty are notified if their projects are approved or denied.

  • August 18-September 1: Students apply to faculty-initiated projects.

  • September 3: Faculty review applications, interview, and select student researchers.

  • September 10: Deadline for faculty to approve or deny student applications.

  • September 11: Deadline for students to enroll without a $5 add fee

  • September 16: Deadline for students to enroll in SPUR units

Student-Initiated SPUR 

Student-Initiated SPUR projects provide research funding to eligible juniors and seniors who wish to pursue their own research project under the mentorship of a Rausser College faculty member.  Applicants may apply for up to $2,000 in SPUR funding to support their project. Students may only apply oncefor Student-Initiated SPUR funding during their time in Rausser College. 

Review Student-Initiated SPUR Instructions to learn how students can submit their projects for consideration.  Students are encouraged to share this link with their faculty research mentor which outlines their role and responsibilities.

The Fall 2026 Student-Initiated SPUR application will be open from June 17th to July 17th at 4PM. 

Want help with your SPUR Application?

  • Join us for our SPUR Student Application Workshop on Thursday, August 27th 1:15-2:45pm via Zoom.

  • Meet with our RCNR Career Counselor, Jen Racklin.  Schedule an appointment with a Career Engagement Office counselor via Handshake.

  • If you already have a research resume put together but need help tailoring it or would just like it to be looked over, you can book a 15 minute SPUR resume check to receive feedback.
    Dates, Times, and locations:
    (virtual via Zoom)
    August 18th, 12:30pm-1:30pm and 2:00pm-3:00pm
    August 19th, 12:30pm-1:30pm and 2:00pm-3:00pm
    (in person, Mulford Hall Rm 260)
    August 24th, 11:00am-12:00pm
    August 25th, 11:00am-12:00pm
    August 26th, 11:00am-12:00pm
  • If you are creating a research resume for the first time or need more in depth help? The Resume labs at Berkeley Career Engagement are a great option!
    Dates: (these are the labs that fall within the application deadline)

    Wednesday, August 26

    Tuesday, September 1

    Time: 1:00-3:00 PM  

    Location:

    Blue Room, 3rd Floor, Berkeley Career Engagement (2440 Bancroft Way)

    Register: Register through Handshake

If you have any questions, please feel free to email spur@berkeley.edu.