Are You Interested In Undergraduate Research?

Editorial Assistant Jordan Jayanthi expands upon the presence of undergraduate, student-led research initiatives at Macquarie University.  

Everyone has researched something in their own time. Whether it's to prove a point in an argument, or a deep dive into the North Korean dictatorship, everyone has opened up Google on their phone at least once to delve further into an area of interest. Undergraduate research provides the perfect avenue to pursue this to a greater extent. 

A quick Google search tells us, “Research is a process for acquiring new knowledge in systematic approach involving diligent planning and interventions for discovery or interpretation of the new-gained information” [1]. 

But it is so much more than that. Research is a niche. When you research, you research to share knowledge and centralise your opinion on important issues. 

What about undergraduate research?

Undergraduate research is nothing more than just research for undergraduate students. And here at MQ, Macquarie Undergraduate Research Society (MURS) gives undergraduate students an avenue to begin their research journey early. 

MURS was founded in 2025 by Research Assistant Fiona Wylie at Macquarie University. It aims to make research more accessible and amplify undergraduate students’ voices. MURS has had multiple opportunities and initiatives to help students get more hands-on with their research, and foster excitement and creativity in the process of research–whether they are a first year or an honours student. 

Where to go:

MURS x MacPsych Research Conference

The biggest event of 2025 for MURS was the research conference hosted in combination with Macquarie University Psychology Society. This was a chance for students to showcase their projects in a conference style environment. It gave them the opportunity to get helpful insights from experienced academics, and other passionate peers. It was also a place for all students to connect with like-minded individuals and discover new and exciting projects in psychology. Despite their initial psychology-focus, there were other opportunities presented within the year for students across other disciplines to speak and network.

ACUR2025

Australiasian Council for Undergraduate Research (ACUR) supports undergraduate researchers by hosting an annual conference, ACUR2025, for students across New Zealand and Australia to present their ideas in front of an audience of academics, peers, and other committee members. MURS founding president Fiona Wylie was elected as Ascending Head of the Student Committee for ACUR in 2025, and has contributed significantly to spreading awareness about MURS. ACUR2025 had over 70+ speakers across New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, shedding light on many important matters across a range of disciplines such as law, biotechnology, astrophysics. 

ACUR Mentoring Program

ACUR hosts a yearly mentorship program to give undergraduate students the opportunity to connect with academics across Australia who are in the early, mid, or senior stage of their career. The mentorship program has allowed for connections to form and a community to be made within the research and academia community. From bridging the gaps present in various niche ideas of research to learning how to effectively find opportunities, the mentorship program has equipped students with a range of skills to help solidify their career foundation, and facilitate positive personal growth. 

MURS fosters personal progress and gives passionate students a voice and a place to be heard. There are more 2026 initiatives coming soon, so stay tuned!

Are you interested in undergraduate research? Reach out! 

You can get in contact with the MURS team through their socials such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. 

by Jordan Jayanthi

References:

[1] Garg R. (2016). Methodology for research I. Indian Journal of Anaesthesia 60(9), 640-645. doi: 10.4103/0019-5049.190619