UPENN CURF |

Please note that CURF advisors remain available and are continuing to advise our undergraduate students about research and all students and alumni considering fellowships. In light of COVID-19, advising is currently occurring remotely. To make appointments with CURF staff, please use the links below:

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships

helps all Penn students deepen their academic experience through participating in research, applying for nationally competitive fellowships, or engaging intellectually within a cohort of scholars.

Undergraduate Research
Assist a faculty member or develop your own project, no matter your experience level or field of interest. Discover CURF's many options for securing research positions with faculty and grants to support your own research.

Nationally Competitive Fellowships
Take your leadership, academic, professional, and community engagement expertise even further with opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad. Fellowships are available from your first year through graduate school, and beyond.

Benjamin Franklin Scholars
Join a residential program of students from across all four undergraduate schools who share a passion for broad academic exploration. BFS Seminars allow students to delve into a wide array of challenging topics.

University Scholars
Connect with a community of intellectually dynamic students making the most of their undergraduate years by participating in undergraduate research and scholarly events.

Presidential Prizes
Create tomorrow's solutions to today's challenges through civic engagement and innovation.

Check out this quickstart guide (pdf) on how to get started in research and fellowships at Penn!

CURF's Mission:

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) supports all students as they pursue transformative experiences through fellowships, scholars programs, and undergraduate research. CURF promotes connections between faculty and students, encourages mentorship, and educates the Penn community about opportunities for all students and alumni.

Recent News

Penn Fulbrighters for 2020-21

May 27, 2020

The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) wishes to heartily congratulate Penn students and alums who have been offered Fulbright grants for the 2020-2021 academic year. The awards are announced on a rolling basis, determined by the host country. This list is current as of May 27.

Junior Paul Lin named a 2020 Udall Scholar

May 8, 2020

University of Pennsylvania junior Paul Lin has been selected as a Udall Scholar by the Udall Foundation, which awards scholarships of as much as $7,000 each to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.

Forty-two Penn students and alumni awarded National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship

May 8, 2020

Forty-two Penn students and alumni have been awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. These students and alumni were selected from over 13,000 applications nationwide. We congratulate these students, who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to their research, as well as the faculty mentors who have provided them with guidance and support along the way

Class of 2020 President’s Engagement and Innovation Prize winners announced

May 7, 2020

University of Pennsylvania President  Amy Gutmann  today announced the recipients of the 2020 President’s Engagement Prize and President’s Innovation Prize. Awarded annually, the Prizes empower Penn students to design and undertake post-graduation projects that make a positive, lasting difference in the world. Each Prizewinning project will receive $100,000, as well as a $50,000 living stipend per team member. The Prizes are the largest of their kind in higher education.

Two Penn juniors named Truman Scholars

April 15, 2020

Two University of Pennsylvania juniors, Annah Chollet and Camilo Duran, have received Harry S. Truman Scholarships, a merit-based award of as much as $30,000 for graduate or professional school to prepare for careers in public service.