Opportunity for Undergraduate Research Program (OUR) provides financial support to students engaged in research projects that have the potential to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field of study. By providing funding for personnel, equipment, conference travel, and other research-related expenses, these grants enable students to undertake ambitious research projects that they might not otherwise be able to pursue.
OUR’s Objectives:
- To develop and enhance scientific research capabilities for students; to nurture talented young scientists, enhancing skills training.
- To create a favorable environment for students’ participation in scientific research activities, in order to develop rigorous research questions which can then be tested empirically.
Important dates:
- Call for Proposals: April 4, 2023
- Orientation Sessions:
- Session 1 led by Prof. K. David Harrison: April 12, 2023 (4-5 p.m, C204)
- Research Bootcamp by VinUni Student Research Club: April 23, 2023
- Session 2 led by Prof. K. David Harrison: May 10, 2023 (4-5 p.m, C204)
- Application deadline extended to: May 12, 2023
- Announce winners: May 22, 2023
- Finish project, OUR Symposium: December 2023
Announcement Video with Vice Provost David Harrison
Principles
- Eligibility: All undergraduate students of VinUniversity who conduct scientific research, not limited to the fields of study taught and researched at VinUniversity. Students are required to participate in at least one of the orientation sessions to be eligible to apply for OUR.
- The amount of grant awarded to a project is determined by the Student Research Committee. Typical awards will be either VND 25,000,000 or VND 12,500,000.
- Students must complete their projects within six (06) months after approval, and submit a final report.
- The number of students participating should not exceed five (05) people per project. Each project is led by one student as principal investigator, and other students can participate as research team members. Each student can participate in a maximum of two (02) projects, but can only be the PI of one project per academic year.
- Each student’s research project must have one (01) main supervisor (who may be faculty at VinUni or elsewhere), and can optionally have a second faculty supervisors.
How to Apply
- Find your research topic
- Find a supervisor
- Fill in the APPLICATION FORM
Student Research Project Approval Procedure
- The VPRO issues a Call for Proposals;
- Students submit a research proposal via the application form;
- The Student Research Committee evaluates and approves the research project and the grant amount to be awarded. The Committee reviewers consider each of the review criteria below in the determination of scientific and technical merit:
- Quality of the research question and its significance
- Clarity of research objectives and methodology
- Feasibility and potential impact of the proposed research
- Final decisions on funding are made by the Student Research Committee;
- VPRO coordinates with the Student Research Committee to announce the list of approved student research projects;
- VPRO organizes the signing of research agreements for students according to regulations.
Conducting OUR Project
- Students shall carry out their research projects within 06 months after approval.
- The results of OUR projects shall be presented in a written report (2 pages) summarizing the project.
- The VPRO and Student Research Committee shall provide support for students and supervisors to complete the projects in accordance with the approved timeline.
- The VPRO and Student Research Committee shall organize seminars, academic forums, and supplementary courses on scientific research for students.
Disbursement of Grant
Grant will be disbursed in two installments:
- The first (80%) at the beginning of the research project upon the approval of the research project and signing of the research agreement, the student research team shall receive 80% of the approved grant amount.
- The final 20% of the grant amount will be disbursed only upon the submission and approval of the final report. The report will be reviewed by the supervising faculty or VPO staff to ensure that it meets the requirements outlined in the research agreement.
Usage of Grant
The grant can only be used for the following purposes:
- To remunerate personnel supporting the research project;
- To pay honoraria to research participants;
- To purchase equipment/service(s) needed for the conducting of the research project;
- To cover travel expenses associated with the research project;
- To pay for publication and dissemination costs of the research project;
- To cover conference fees and registration costs related to the research project.
The grant cannot be used for personal expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, or any other personal expenses that are not directly related to the research project.
Reporting
Recipients of the undergraduate student research grant are required to submit a final report detailing the outcomes of the research project, including any findings and conclusions. The report should also detail how the grant was used, including any expenditures made during the course of the research project.
Additionally, recipients of the grant shall be required to present their research findings at a university-wide research symposium or a college-level research colloquium. This presentation should be open to the public and should allow for a question-and-answer session at the end.
Responsibilities
- Responsibilities of Students:
- Carry out scientific research in a professional and honest manner;
- Take responsibility for conducting the approved scientific research topics;
- Comply with VinUniversity regulations and other current legal regulations;
- Follow the guidance of the faculty supervisor(s);
- Participate in scientific conferences, seminars, forums, and other scientific activities organized by VinUniversity;
- Submit final reports (after 06 months) to the VPRO.
- Rights and Responsibilities of Supervisor:
- Supervisors will receive an honorarium of $200 for each project they supervise.
- Guide students to conduct scientific research; Jointly assume responsibility with supervised students the content of the assigned research topic; Fully comply with the principles of research ethics and current regulations.
For queries: Contact research@vinuni.edu.vn