Princeton Research Day – Undergraduate Edition

After a decade of featuring presenters from across the early stages of their academic journeys, Princeton Research Day 2026 turns its focus fully to undergraduates and their ideas. On Friday, February 20, 2026, the University will gather in the new Princeton University Art Museum for a late afternoon celebration of curiosity, creativity, and scholarship. From posters and performances to short films and demos, this campus-wide event invites attendees to explore the breadth and depth of undergraduate research in an interactive, inspiring setting.

Princeton Research Day – Undergraduate Edition continues its tradition of giving students a platform to share their work at any stage—from early proposals to completed independent work and creative projects. The event helps undergraduates practice communicating their ideas to a broad audience, receive meaningful feedback, and celebrate the innovative contributions of their peers across all disciplines.

In keeping with the interdisciplinary spirit of Princeton Research Day, judges—including alumni, faculty, staff, graduate students, postdocs, and community members—will evaluate presentations on how effectively they communicate research to a non-specialist audience. To recognize outstanding presentations, cash prizes ranging from $500 to $1,500 will be awarded across multiple categories:

• Arts & Humanities Award ($1,000) – Celebrating a project that deepens our knowledge about cultures and society, and inspires action or dialogue.
• Campus Impact Award ($1,500) – Honoring research that positively impacts the Princeton community.
• Innovation Award ($1,000) – Recognizing a project with strong potential for real-world solutions.
• Princeton University Library Award ($1,000) – Highlighting creative use of library resources.
• Sustainability Research Award ($1,500) – Honoring research that advances sustainability – improving quality of life while regenerating ecological systems.
• Undergraduate International Research Award ($500) – Showcasing the value of immersive global research.
• FitzRandolph Gate Award ($500) – A “fan favorite” voted on by attendees during the event.

Co-presenters will split the prize in each category, and students who have won in previous years remain eligible for future awards.

Register now and join in celebrating Princeton undergraduate research! Curious about presenting? Learn more about presenting here and review the PRD MyPrincetonU page for upcoming info sessions and workshops to answer your questions and support your presentation development.

Princeton Research Day – Undergraduate Edition is made possible through the partnership of offices and programs across campus, including the Office of Undergraduate Research, Princeton Writing Program, Princeton University Art Museum, Center on Science and Technology, Program for Community-Engaged Scholarship, Princeton Humanities Initiative, residential colleges, Alumni Engagement, Lewis Center for the Arts, Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, and Keller Center.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of award sponsors – Office of the Vice President for Campus Life, Office of Innovation, University Library, Office of Sustainability, and Office of International Programs – who are also close partners in making this event a success.

Produced by the Office of the Dean of the College, with support from the Dean for Research and the Vice President for Campus Life.