undergraduate research project sample pdf

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+ biological sciences.

Sample Proposal #1   Sample Proposal #2

Agronomy & Plant Genetics

• Pollen Viability and Germination of Northern Wild Rice (Zizania Palustris L.)

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics

• Optimizing the Parameters for the Consensus Approach to Protein Stabilization
• Effects of Human APOBEC3A in a Novel Cancer Model
• Determining the Inhibitory Effect of CaM and FKBP12.6 on Cardiac Calcium Release Channel Model of Heart Failure
• Engineering HUH Endonucleases to Direct DNA Sequence Specificity
• A Proof-of-Concept Study to Develop the Reporter-Based Assay for Identification of Potential Senotherapeutics
• Using Phenotypic Traits in Brassica Rapa to Measure Abiotic Stress Response
• Metal Contaminants in Floral Nectar
• Investigating the Enzymatic Activity of Nectar Protein NmNec3 and Pigment Precursor Properties in the Color-Changing Nectar of Nesocodon Mauritianus

Ecology, Evolution & Behavior

• Predicting the Ability of Amino Acid Auxotrophic E. coli to Regain Biosynthetic Capabilities
• Examining How the Toxic Cross-Feeding Relationship Between Escherichia Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Affects Escherichia Coli Evolution
• Investigating and Comparing the Effects of Oxytocin on the Social Behaviors of Male and Female Cheetahs
• Investigating the Genetic Basis, Composition, and Relative Fitness of Various Phenotypes of Multicellular ‘Snowflake’ Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Genetics, Cell Biology and Development

• Quantitative Analysis of Polygenic Risk Scores and Microbiome Diversity as Predictive Models of Complex Disease
• Burning the Fat to Boost Longevity: Testing the Mechanisms of Drosophila Lifespan Extension via Lipid Remodeling
• Unlocking a Capsaicin Pathway in Tomatoes Through Deconstructed Viral Vectors

Neuroscience

• Investigating the Role of ApoE 4 in Postsynaptic Deficits in Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
• Chemogenetic Inhibition of Nucleus Accumbens PV+ Interneurons Modulates Opioid Induced Reward-Related Behavior
• To Examine Roles of Microglia in Early Brain Development
• Investigating the Long Term Neurological Effects of Hyperglycemia in Mature Brains and the Effects of a High Fat Diet on Hyperglycemia
• Optimization of Gene Editing to Affect Monocyte Activation and Differentiation
• Myogenic Analysis of DUX Family Genes DUXA and DUXB Breastmilk Fungi and Establishment of the Infant Gut Mycobiome
• Investigating Methylene Blue as a Facilitator to Reverse the Effects of Developmental Iron Deficiency

Pharmacology

• Structure-Activity Relationship Study of a Novel N1-Biphenyl Fluoroquinolone With Anti-Proliferative Activity
• The Role of the Alpha6 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit in Alcohol and Nicotine Consumption
• The Influence of SLC39A8 And HGFAC on Acute Alcohol Behavior and Metabolism
• The Role of HGFAC on Alcohol and Nicotine Consumption in Mice

Plant Biology

• Examining the Role of MET1 in the Setaria Viridis Methylome
• Investigating Fungal Interspecies Competition in Ectomycorrhizal Communities
• Exploring Rapid Evolution of Early Post-Germination Allocation Strategies in Clarkia Santiana ssp. Santiana in Response to the Recent California Megadrought

See All CBS Projects

Sample Proposal

Architecture and Landscape Architecture

• Photographic Bias in Architecture
• Reconceiving Juvenile Rehabilitation
• IN | OUT, Dreaming-Nature
• Indoor-Outdoor (The Vast Divide Between Out And In)

Design, Housing, & Apparel

• Creating a User Experience and Interface for Underrepresented K-12 Children to Promote Design and Making
• Light and Well- Being: An Analysis of the WELL Building Standards
• Defining Gender Neutral Fashion
• Post Occupancy Evaluation In Design
• The Application of Eye-Level Marketing Theory to Idea Selection During Team Based Brainstorming Sessions
• Translating IR Spatial Positioning Circuitry to Softlines 2019

+ Education & Human Development

Sample Proposal #1 Sample Proposal #2

Child Development

• Shared Reading: Black and White vs. Color Book
• Examining the Association Between Positive Self-Concept and Immune Functioning
• Phonetic and Semantic Features in Young Children's Foreign Word Learning

Educational Psychology

• Struggling to Succeed

Family Social Science

• Early Childhood Family Education Staff Perspectives Toward the Integration of Technology
• Prevention of Human Trafficking with Migrant Workers and Their Family  

Institute of Child Development 

• Bridging Transitions: Formation of Attachment Among Children in Childcare Settings

Kinesiology

• Sensitivity to Changes in Dynamic Affordances for Walking
• Comparing Total and Regional Body Composition Measurements Between a Handheld Electrical Impedance Myography Device and Dual X-ray Absorptiometry
• Investigating the Effects of Exergaming on College Students’ Psychosocial Outcomes
• The Role of Chromaticity in the Visual Control of Stance
• Ethnographer Analysis of the Court Systems

Sports Management

• The Examination of Women Coaches in Ireland: A Report on Third Level Sport Institutions 2017-2018

+ Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences

Sample Proposal #1   Sample Proposal #2

• Identifying the Optimum Planting Depth of Kernza Cultivars in Three Minnesota Soils
• Evaluating Allele Frequencies at a Seed Shatter Locus in Natural and Cultivated Stands of Northern Wild Rice
• Developing a Naturally Derived Bioherbicide to Control Garlic Mustard

Animal Science

• Modern Alfalfa Varieties Population and Stem Counts to Predict Yield
• Pilot Study to Investigate the Effect of Individual Versus Pair Housing During the Preweaning Period on Dairy Calf Well-Being
• Examining Microbial Environments Present in Dairy Cattle and Dairy Hutches
• Role of Nuclear Actin Polymerization in Regulating Non-Cell Death Etosis in Airway Epithelial Cells Exposed to Fungal Allergens.

Applied Economics

• The Economics of Renewable Energy in Minnesota
• The Effect of Pesticides on the Behavior of Native Pollinators
• Edible Insects - The Food to Save the World

Fisheries & Wildlife

• The Influence of Snow Pack on Canid Space Use in Altered Landscapes
• Northern Goshawk Nest Site Characteristics in the Black Hills National Forest
• Robot-Assisted Conservation Research on Two Federally Endangered Mussels: Observational Data Needed to Reveal life History Requirements
• Survival of Two Strains of Stocked Walleye (Sander Vitreus)

Food Science & Nutrition

• To Isolate Bacteriophage from Ready to Eat Foods Such as Salad or Deli Meat and See if Bacteriophage Can be Found That Kill Listeria
• Detection of a Population-Specific Mutation in a Zinc Transporter Gene Using Blood DNA and qPCR
• Importance of Diet and Cooking Knowledge from Childhood to Collegiate Years
• Protecting Food Flavorings from Deterioration

Forest Resources

• The Relationship Between Pine Barrens Knowledge and Acceptance of Barrens Restoration Strategies
• Where Will the Ash Wood Go? Gaining Forest Industry Perspectives on the Use of Ash Wood in Anticipation of Emerald Ash Borer
• Using Stable Isotopes and Fallout Radionuclides to Track Winter Precipitation
• Impacts of Experimental Warming and Drought on Tree Stomatal Density and Size

Horticultural Science

• Development of Tuber Stachys as a Potential Vegetable Crop
• Evaluation of Interspecific Compatibility in Perennial Flax
• A Comparison of Hydroponic Cultivation Systems for Commercial Hop Production
• Introgression of the Non-Native Invasive Knotweed on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota
• Intraspecific Pollen Tube Competition
• Differences in Cover Crop Biomass Production Across Planting Methods
• Assessing Cold Hardiness of Two Kiwi Berry Species (Actinidia Arguta and Actinidia Kolomikta) by Microscopically Comparing Cold Damage in Shoot Tissues

Soil, Water, & Climate

• Soil “A” Horizon Development Relative to Plant Community Diversity and Agricultural Abandonment
• Microbial Community Structure and its Effect on Nitrogen Cycling Dynamics in a Kura Clover Living Mulch System
• Evaluating Enzyme Activity in Agricultural High Tunnels Compared to Open Fields in Minnesota and Kentucky
• Impacts of Earthworm Invasion on the island of Ta’u in American Samoa

Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences

• Domesticated Birds Take Down P. Tenuis
• Evaluating Chronic Wasting Disease Testing Methods in Minnesota

See All CFANS Projects

+ Liberal Arts

Sample Proposal #1  

Sample Proposal #2  

Sample Proposal #3

Anthropology

• The Price of Legitimacy: Representation, Self-Perception, and Organizing Strategy at el Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha
• The Liquid Architecture of Fantasy
• Exploring Narrative through the Storyteller, Written Text, and Visual Art
• Touch Board: New Technology’s Potential for Making Art Interactive
• Assimilation and Pleasure in the Archive
• Voice to Vision
• Imagining the North Country, 1600 - 1900

Cultural Studies & Comparative Literature

• The Media Coverage of Sanctions and Its Implications
• Price Discrimination in a Perfect Information Inelastic Setting: A Case of FAFSA and Higher Education
• European Christian Pilgrimage to the Holy Land During the Early Modern Period

French & Italian

• 'Where Were the Women?' The Story of the Women Who Collaborated in France 1940 – 1944
• Linguistic Change and the Urbanization of Roman Markets
• Deep Learning Computer Vision Tree Ring Detection
• Impact of Contraceptive Availability and Knowledge on Desired Family Size and Spacing in Niger
• Dight Institute Archives and The History of Eugenics
• The Role of Black Feminism Within the Black Power Movemen
• Illustrating an Emperor: Understanding the Life and Reign of Maximilian I Through Theuerdank
• The Denmark Vesey Conspiracy: Conceptualizing Crime and Religion in Slaveholding Societies
• The Discovery, Acquisition, Authentication, and Distribution of Christian Relics in Europe and the Holy Lands in the Premodern Era
• The Effects of Coca Production on 21st Century Latin American Development
• Making the Makers: Conceptualizations and Representations of the Pregnant Body in Shakespeare’s World
• American Expertise and Yugoslavia’s Tourism Industry During the Cold War
• Doing Digital History: Twenty-First-Century Methods for Researching the Past

Institute of Linguistics

• Lexical Restrictions on That-Trace Effects in Indonesian
• The Long Term Impact of the SSBI CARLA Summer Institute Course

Journalism & Mass Communication

• The Emerging Trend of Brand Ambassadors and Influencers
• Multitasking Part 2: The Effectiveness of Advertisement on a Cross-Cultural Population

Political Science

• Paris Agreement and MENA
• Changing Perceptions of People with Disabilities Activism, Protest, and Narrative
• Examining School District Consolidation and Urbanization- A Case Study of White Bear Lake School District
• The Unintended Effects of Global Nonproliferation Policies on the Value of Nuclear Weapons to Norm-Defying States
• Women and Minority Experiences of Workplace Bias
• Trauma History, Attachment Dimensions, and Relationship Quality
• Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Following LPS-Induced Inflammation
• Enhanced Neural Coding and Sound Perception in Musicians
• Internal Attributions of Control in School Age Children and Subsequent Perceptions of Control During Stress in Adolescence
• Interaction Between Goal-Driven and Habitual Behavior in Visual Search
• Understanding the Role of Trauma on Social Decision-Making and Trust
• Pitch Perception of Complex Melodies at High Frequencies
• The Role of Cultural Values in the Empowerment of Latina Womxn
• Relationship Between Impulsivity and Bipolar Spectrum Disorder Among College Students

Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences

• Standardizing the Viscosity of Common Liquids for Pediatric Dysphagia Patients Using IDDSI Testing Protocols
• Establishing Standardized Thickening Recipes Using Infant Cereals to Reach Consistent Viscosity Levels for Infant Feeding
• Standardizing Treatment Viscosity Recipes for Pediatric Patients With Dysphagia
• A Comparison of Patient and Clinician Attitudes Towards Remote Adjustment of Self-Fit Hearing Instruments

Theatre Arts & Dance

• Mental Health Visibility Through Performance: An Integration of Dance and Psychology
• Embodiment of Technique of Innovation on Nationalized Dance
• Embodiment of Aesthetic through Indigenous Memory

See All CLA Projects

+ Science & Engineering

Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics

• Aircraft Flutter Suppression using Conic-Sector-Based-Control
• Attitude Control of a Spacecraft Flexible Appendage Using Parallel Feedforward Control
• Improved Low-Cost Real Time Tracking System Using Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs)
• Motion Tracking with an Absolute Orientation Sensor
• Evaluating the Accuracy of Conventional Drag Prediction and Validation Methods for Small Electric UAVs
• Infrared Observations of Variable Stars and Transient Astronomical Events
• Observation of Variable Stars in Infrared

Biomedical Engineering

• Development and Validation of the Subject-Specific Computational Models Using Electrophysiological Single-Unit Activity
• Subject-Specific Modeling of Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation for Paraplegia
• Understanding the Role of Fibrinolysis Inhibition in Cell-Laden 3D Fibrin Networks
• Direction of Information Flow in Working Memory Network in Humans
• Characterization and Modulation of Cellular Distribution and Protein-Protein Interaction of Fused in Sarcoma (FUS)
• Predicting SCD through multi-scale nonlinear-dynamics-based risk stratification
• Development of a FRET-Based Biosensor to Monitor the Pathological Protein Aggregation in Parkinson’s Disease

Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering

• The Removal and Transfer of Excess Nutrients from Wastewater to a Biochar Fertilizer
• Evaluating the Water Quality Impacts of Floating Treatment Wetlands in a Stormwater Retention Pond
• Biogas Production and Upgrading Through Solid State Anaerobic Digestion Food Waste and Bioelectrichemical Treatment of Leachate
• Investigating Interactions Between Mucor and Plant Roots
• Conversion of Paper Mill Residues to Fermentable Sugars
• Growing Selenium Nanoparticles on Ceramic Materials for Mercury Removal
• Solid-State Fermentation of Feather Meal to Produce More Sustainable Animal Feed

Chemical Engineering & Materials Science

• Characterization of Phase Transitions in Non-Equilibrium Many-Bodied Systems
• Optimization of Biomass Waste-to-Energy Supply Chains with Modular and Mobile Production Units in Minnesota
• Engineering Cellular Metabolism to Improve Function of NK Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy
• Deterministic Integrated Production and Maintenance Scheduling Incorporating Various Equipment Health Models
• Gelation Temperature as a Function of Percent Allylation in Aqueous Methylcellulose Solutions
• Analysis of Crack Patterns in Drying Silica Suspensions and Hydrodynamic Interactions with Active Matters
• Ion Gel Gating with Boron Nitride Buffer Layer in Strontium Stannate Thin films
• Effect of Channel Morphology on Capillary Flow
• Processing of Spatially Gradient Nanocrystal Films
• Synthesis of Copper Indium Sulfide (cis) Quantum Dots
• Engineering Substrate Stiffness to Enhance Hepatocyte Differentiation from Embryonic Stem Cells
• Developing a Method to Select Training Sets for an Active Space Selection ML Classification Mode
• Characterizing Gas Sensing Proteins in M. tuberculosis Through X-ray Crystallography
• The Reactivity and Redox-Induced Nucleation and Growth of Goethite on Synthetic Aluminum Substituted Hematite Nanoparticles
• Optimization of a BET Family BRD4 Domain 1 Inhibitor as a New Anti-Cancer Agent
• Synthesis, Characterization, and Adsorption of ZIF-8 Nanoparticles on a Macroporous Support Using Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue Dye
• Difunctionalization of Arenes from Aryne Intermediates Generated by Diradicals
• Synthesis of [24]azacyclacene
• Optimization of Solid-Contact Potassium Ion-Selective Electrodes Made with Colloid-Imprinted Mesoporous Carbon
• The Relationship between Heme Redox Potentials and Activity in TB Dormancy Signaling
• A Light Activated Cancer Drug
• Characterization of Organocatalysts with Enhanced Electrophilic Activities via UV-Vis Spectroscopy

Civil, Environmental and Geo Engineering

• Manipulation of Fluvial Bathymetry Through Yawed Porous Grids
• Comparative Study of Los Angeles Abrasion and Impact Loss to Other Standard Aggregate Toughness Tests
• Effect of Cement Fineness on Fresh Grout Properties with Admixtures in Post Tension Grout

Computer Science & Engineering

• Incorporating Semantic Information to Improve Surface Normal Prediction
• Empirical Study of the Spread of Misinformation in Social Networks
• Controlling Growing Tasks via Altering the Secondary Agent Ratio
• Designing a Computer Game for the Empirical Study of Human-Robot Collaboration
• Reconstructing 3D Human body model from 2D images using HUMBI (Human Multiview Behavioral Imaging) dataset
• Application of the Diving by Inflation Variation Engine
• Transferring Solutions for Machine Learning Based Collision Avoidance from Simulation to Real Life
• Detection and Tracking of Key Facial Points
• Development of Autopilot Control System Design Framework for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) - Parametrization and Validation with EdgeBot
• Failure Detection and Diagnosis for Underwater Robotics Using Neural Network Optimization and Onboard Sensors and Software
• Strafing Gain: A Novel Redirected Walking Technique in Virtual Reality

Electrical & Computer Engineering

• Selenium (IV, VI) Reduction by Fungi Under Oxic Conditions
• Exploring Morphological Patterns in Diurnal Raptors Using 3-D Beak Data
• Replication of a Referenced Setting Using Non-Prehensile and Prehensile Movements of the Robot Arm
• The Design of the Topological Insulator Using LC Networks Circuit
• Using DNA Strand Displacement to Implement Binary Logic Operations
• Using SAT Solvers for the Synthesis of Acyclic Logic Functions
• Optimization with Cyclic Combinational Circuits: Design, Analysis, and Synthesis
• The Flexible Solar Cell
• Efficient Digital Filters Using a Hybrid Binary-Unary Number Representation
• An Investigation on the Efficiency of Wide-Band Gap Devices in Grid-Tied Inverters

Industrial and Systems Engineering

• Scheduling Analysis of an M Health Outpatient Clinic

Mechanical Engineering

• Microfluidic Fabrication of Solid-shelled Capsules Using Paraffin Wax
• Numerical Investigation of Plasma-Assisted Gas Reforming
• Isothermal Compressed Air Energy Storage System
• Improving the Preservation of Bioprinted Tissue
• Characterizing Freezing Response for Natural Killer Cells
• Short-Term Energy Storage Solution for the Hybridization of Hydrostatic Transmissions in Wind Turbines
• Development of a High Throughput Plate Reader Based hHINT1 Kinetics Assay as an Alternative to Classic Fluorometric Assays
• Design and Synthesis of a ssDNA-based SuFEx Probe Targeting APOBEC3B Cytosine Deaminase

Physics & Astronomy

• Study of Low-Q² Resonance Suppression to Reduce Systematic Uncertainties on NOvA Experimental Results
• Measuring the Switching Window of Ferromagnet-InSb Nanowire Quantum Devices in MuMax3 Simulations
• Investigating Cosmic Ray Acceleration Mechanisms in Blazars Using X-rays
• Hydrodynamic Simulation of Stellar Core Convection
• To Study the Effects of Atmospheric Oxidation on the Dark Conductivity of Free Standing Nanocrystalline Thin Films
• Role of Surface Doping Layer in a Two-Dimensional Electron Gas
• Democratizing Cryogenics: Determining the Feasibility of Manufacturing a Low Cost, Self-Sufficient Liquid Nitrogen System
• Optimization of Stretched Exponential Model for Amorphous Semiconductor Alloys
• Anneals and Growth of HgBa2CuO4+
• Growth, Characterization, and High Pressure Behavior of Potassium Doped Bismuthate Crystals
• Measurements of Carbon Dioxide Diffusion Rates in Thin Film Plastics

See All CSE Projects

• About Undergraduate Research
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• Pathways to Graduate School: Summer Research Program
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Dissertation examples

Listed below are some of the best examples of research projects and dissertations from undergraduate and taught postgraduate students at the University of Leeds We have not been able to gather examples from all schools. The module requirements for research projects may have changed since these examples were written. Refer to your module guidelines to make sure that you address all of the current assessment criteria. Some of the examples below are only available to access on campus.

• Undergraduate examples
• Taught Masters examples

30+ SAMPLE Undergraduate Research Proposal in PDF

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Undergraduate Student and Research Cost Program For Faculty Proposal

Step 1: determine the research topic and perform literature reviews, step 2: list the gaps in literature and frame the purpose of the study, step 3: construct the introduction, hypothesis, and research questions to guide the study, step 4: outline the investigation methods and research design, step 5: indicate the sample size, including its characteristics, step 6: outline the necessary procedures for data collection and analysis, share this post on your network, you may also like these articles, title project proposal.

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Free Download

Research Proposal Template

The fastest (and smartest) way to craft a convincing proposal and get your dissertation or research project approved.

Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format 4.9 star rating, 5000 + downloads

Step-by-step instructions

Tried & tested academic format

Fill-in-the-blanks simplicity

Pro tips, tricks and resources

What It Covers

This free proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources. The template covers the following core elements:

• Introduction & background (including the research problem)
• Literature review
• Research design/methodology
• Project plan, resource requirements and
• risk management

The Google Doc can be copied to your Google Drive 0r downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), which you can also use in LaTeX.

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FAQs: Research Proposal Template

Research proposal template faqs, what types of research proposals can this template be used for.

The proposal template follows the standard format for academic research projects, which means it will be suitable for the vast majority of dissertations and theses (especially those within the sciences), whether they are qualitative or quantitative in terms of design.

Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the introduction chapter/section will vary between universities and degree programs. These are typically minor, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level proposal?

This template can be used for a research project at any level of study. Doctoral-level projects typically require the research proposal to be more extensive/comprehensive, but the structure will typically remain the same.

How long should my research proposal be?

The length of a research proposal varies by institution and subject, but as a ballpark, it’s usually between 1,500 and 3,000 words.

To be safe, it’s best to check with your university if they have any preferences or requirements in terms of minimum and maximum word count for the research propsal.

How detailed should the methodology of the proposal be?

You don’t need to go into the fine details of your methodology, but this section should be detailed enough to demonstrate that your research approach is feasible and will address your research questions effectively. Be sure to include your intended methods for data collection and analysis.

Can I include preliminary data or pilot study results in my proposal?

Generally, yes. This can strengthen your proposal by demonstrating the feasibility of your research. However, make sure that your pilot study is approved by your university before collecting any data.

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, we kindly request that you reference this page as your source.

What format is the template (DOC, PDF, PPT, etc.)?

The research proposal template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. We are constantly developing our collection of free resources to help students complete their dissertations and theses. You can view all of our template resources here .

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services .

Additional Resources

If you’re working on a research proposal, you’ll also want to check these out…

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The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project

Student resources.

Examples of Student Research Projects

Writing a Project Proposal

Main navigation, a good proposal describes....

• what you hope to accomplish
• why those objectives are important to your academic or artistic field
• how you intend to achieve your objectives

Your original project proposal is the core of your grant application. 

Detailed Proposal Requirements

• General guidelines for all grant proposals
• Additional specific guidelines for  Research, Arts/Design, and Senior Synthesis  project proposals -- please follow carefully!
• Ways to turn your good proposal into a great one
• Sample Project Proposals : Check out exemplars of past student project proposals.

Connect with Faculty Mentors and UADs

• Faculty Mentors should meet required eligibility criteria .
• Students should  schedule a meeting with their Undergraduate Advising Director (UAD)  as they write their proposal. UADs are well-versed with all VPUE Undergraduate Research Grants!

Watch a 3-minute overview of the VPUE Student Grant application process.

Watch a 2-minute video on how to write the critical dialogue section of a creative arts project proposal.

ANNOTATED SAMPLE GRANT PROPOSALS

How to Use Annotated Sample Grants

Are these real grants written by real students.

Yes! While each proposal represents a successfully funded application, there are two things to keep in mind: 1) The proposals below are  final products;  no student started out with a polished proposal. The proposal writing process requires stages of editing while a student formulates their project and works on best representing that project in writing. 2) The samples reflect a wide range of project types, but  they are not exhaustive . URGs can be on any topic in any field, but all must make a successful argument for why their project should be done/can be done by the person proposing to do it.  See our proposal writing guides for more advice. The best way to utilize these proposals is to pay attention to the  proposal strengths  and  areas for improvement  on each cover page to guide your reading.

How do I decide which sample grants to read?

When students first look through the database, they are usually compelled to read an example from their major (Therefore, we often hear complaints that there is not a sample proposal for every major). However, this is not the best approach because there can be many different kinds of methodologies within a single subject area, and similar research methods can be used across fields.

• Read through the Methodology Definitions and Proposal Features  to identify which methodolog(ies) are most similar to your proposed project. 
• Use the Annotated Sample Grant Database ( scroll below the definitions and features) filters or search for this methodology to identify relevant proposals and begin reading!

It does not matter whether the samples you read are summer grants (SURGs) or academic year grants (AYURGs).  The main difference between the two grant types is that academic year proposals (AYURG) require a budget to explain how the $1,000 will be used towards research materials, while summer proposals (SURG) do not require a budget (the money is a living stipend that goes directly to the student awardee) and SURGs have a bigger project scope since they reflect a project that will take 8 weeks of full time research to complete.  The overall format and style is the same across both grant cycles, so they are relevant examples for you to review, regardless of which grant cycle you are planning to apply.  

How do I get my proposal to look like these sample grants?

Do not submit a first draft:  These sample proposals went through multiple rounds of revisions with feedback from both Office of Undergraduate Research advisors and the student’s faculty mentor. First, it helps to learn about grant structure and proposal writing techniques before you get started. Then, when you begin drafting, it’s normal to make lots of changes as the grant evolves. You will learn a lot about your project during the editing and revision process, and you typically end up with a better project by working through several drafts of a proposal.

Work with an advisor:  Students who work with an Office of Undergraduate Research Advisor have higher success rates than students who do not. We encourage students to meet with advisors well in advance of the deadline (and feel free to send us drafts of your proposal prior to our advising appointment, no matter how rough your draft is!), so we can help you polish and refine your proposal.

Review final proposal checklists prior to submission:  the expectation is a two-page, single-spaced research grant proposal (1″ margins, Times New Roman 12 or Arial 11), and proposals that do not meet these formatting expectations will not be considered by the review committee.  Your bibliography does not count towards this page limit.

Academic Year URG Submission Checklist

Summer URG Application Checklist

METHODOLOGY DEFINITIONS & PROPOSAL FEATURES

Research methodologies.

The proposed project involves collecting primary sources held in archives, a Special Collections library, or other repository. Archival sources might include manuscripts, documents, records, objects, sound and audiovisual materials, etc. If a student proposes a trip to collect such sources, the student should address a clear plan of what will be collected from which archives, and should address availability and access (ie these sources are not available online, and the student has permission to access the archive).

Computational/Mathematical Modeling

The proposed project involves developing models to numerically study the behavior of system(s), often through computer simulation. Students should specify what modeling tool they will be using (i.e., an off-the-shelf product, a lab-specific codebase), what experience they have with it, and what resources they have when they get stuck with the tool (especially if the advisor is not a modeler). Models often involve iterations of improvements, so much like a Design/Build project, the proposal should clearly define parameters for a “successful” model with indication of how the student will assess if the model meets these minimum qualifications.

Creative Output

The proposed project has a creative output such playwriting, play production, documentary, music composition, poetry, creative writing, or other art. Just like all other proposals, the project centers on an answerable question, and the student must show the question and method associated with the research and generation of that project. The artist also must justify their work and make an argument for why this art is needed and/or how it will add to important conversations .

Design/Build

The proposed project’s output centers around a final product or tool. The student clearly defines parameters for a “successful” project with indication of how they will assess if the product meets these minimum qualifications.

The project takes place in a lab or research group environment, though the methodology within the lab or research group vary widely by field. The project often fits within the larger goals/or project of the research group, but the proposal still has a clearly identified research question that the student is working independently to answer.

Literary/Composition Analysis

The project studies, evaluates, and interprets literature or composition. The methods are likely influenced by theory within the field of study. In the proposal, the student has clearly defined which pieces will be studied and will justify why these pieces were selected. Context will be given that provides a framework for how the pieces will be analyzed or interpreted.

Qualitative Data Analysis

The project proposes to analyze data from non-numeric information such as interview transcripts, notes, video and audio recordings, images, and text documents. The proposal clearly defines how the student will examine and interpret patterns and themes in the data and how this methodology will help to answer the defined research question.

Quantitative Data Analysis

The project proposes to analyze data from numeric sources. The proposal clearly defines variables to be compared and provides insight as to the kinds of statistical tests that will be used to evaluate the significance of the data.

The proposed project will collect data through survey(s). The proposal should clearly defined who will be asked to complete the survey, how these participants will be recruited, and/or proof of support from contacts. The proposal should include the survey(s) in an appendix. The proposal should articulate how the results from these survey(s) will be analyzed.

The proposed project will use theoretical frameworks within their proposed area of research to explain, predict, and/or challenge and extend existing knowledge. The conceptual framework serves as a lens through which the student will evaluate the research project and research question(s); it will likely contain a set of assumptions and concepts that form the basis of this lens.

Proposal Features

Group project.

A group project is proposed by two or more students; these proposals receive one additional page for each additional student beyond the two page maximum. Group projects must clearly articulate the unique role of each student researcher. While the uploaded grant proposal is the same, each student researcher must submit their own application into the system for the review.

International Travel

Projects may take place internationally. If the proposed country is not the student’s place of permanent residence, the student can additionally apply for funding to cover half the cost of an international plane ticket. Proposals with international travel should likely include travel itineraries and/or proof of support from in-country contacts in the appendix.

Non-English Language Proficiency

Projects may be conducted in a non-English language. If you have proficiency in the proposed language, you should include context (such as bilingual, heritage speaker, or by referencing coursework etc.) If you are not proficient and the project requires language proficiency, you should include a plan for translation or proof of contacts in the country who can support your research in English.

DATABASE OF ANNOTATED SAMPLE GRANTS

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

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As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved August 22, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

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