Applications for the 2025 Undergraduate Research Awards (URA) are now open for eligible students until Feb. 17.
The URA is an annual award at the U of M that provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage with research opportunities in the community.
This award is open to undergraduate students in all fields of research, academic contributions or creative activities. The award holds a monetary value of $7,000 and is recognized as a co-curricular record activity.
Up to 205 URAs across all disciplines at the U of M are available and a minimum of 21 are available for self-declared Indigenous students. Additionally, two awards are available for community-based projects, supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Arshpreet Gill, a third-year psychology student in the faculty of arts, received a URA and achieved first place in the social sciences and humanities oral competition for his research at the 2024 Undergraduate Research Showcase.
“Participating in undergraduate research through the URA allowed me to explore the nuanced differences between capital-dominated and margin-dominated renewable energy projects, focusing on tailored incentives,” said Gill. “Working closely with experts and tackling real world policy challenges further cemented my commitment to sustainable development.”
Gill’s research, titled “Incentives for renewable energy: Capital-dominated vs margin-dominated projects,” explores how tailored incentives can drive progress in sectors like aviation and heavy-duty trucking.
In his research, Gill revealed how these two approaches require different types of incentives. “While capital subsidies can kickstart infrastructure-heavy projects, margin-focused initiatives may benefit more from ongoing operational support,” he said. “Understanding this distinction is essential for designing effective policies to address the unique needs of renewable energy sectors.”
According to Gill, having his work recognized is rewarding and humbling.
“This recognition validates the effort and passion I’ve put into addressing such a pressing global issue. It also motivates me to continue exploring ways to make a meaningful impact through research and policy advocacy,” he said.
Gill encourages students to pursue research opportunities made possible through the URA. “They provide a platform to make a tangible difference and inspire others to join the effort for a sustainable future,” he said.
“Choose a project that excites you. That passion will carry you through any challenge,” Gill said to UM Today. “Don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your mentor and embrace the opportunity to learn, even if it feels intimidating.”
Recipients of the award are mentored full-time from May through August by a professor of their choosing. Gill’s mentor was Dr. Maryna Klymchuk of the Asper school of business, according to UM Today.
Gill believes that platforms like the Undergraduate Research Showcase “can also inspire others and highlight the value of interdisciplinary approaches.”
“I hope to inspire others to think creatively and work together to address the pressing issues of our time,” he said.
Funding for the award is made available through the university’s office of the vice-president (research and international), the University of Manitoba Students’ Union and faculties.
Applications for the URA are only open to undergraduate students who do not hold a master’s degree. Eligible students must be enrolled in at least 24 credits at the time of the voluntary withdrawal deadline for the 2024 fall term and 2025 winter term and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
For more information on the URA, including a complete list of application criteria, visit umanitoba.ca/research/opportunities-support/undergraduate-research-awards.
