RWTH UROP
The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program offers students the chance to undertake their own research projects in an RWTH research team at the University's institutes and chairs very early on during their studies. A particular focus of this program line is sustainability, in alignment with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Pathways to Research
By applying the knowledge gained during their university studies in research projects, students gain hands-on experience in the methods of their area of study.
Participation in a UROP project helps students to develop both subject-specific and transferable skills, and their involvement in university research provides them with potential perspectives for their future careers. Furthermore, participating students have the chance to get in touch with high-profile researchers in their subject field and learn the importance of contacts' networks.
With our newly revised UROP RWTH program line in 2021, we would like to make research projects in sustainability, in alignment with the 17 SDGs of the United Nations, more visible and enable students as well as supervisors to find a common forum for this. Sustainability projects are identified via the database using a new filter. This gives students the opportunity to engage with the topic in great depth during their Bachelor's studies and to make their own initial research contribution to the topic of sustainability in its environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
Furthermore, starting in 2022, we are planning to present the project results at an annual sustainability symposium and to give all individuals involved the opportunity to network with each other.
When to Participate and Recognition of Qualifications
There are no specific periods in the year for UROP projects, so students have the chance to participate in RWTH UROP projects both during the semester and in the lecture-free period. The projects last between one and six months. Project supervisors and students can individually and flexibly arrange when the project will be conducted.
Currently, students do not gain any credits taking part in a UROP project – participation in UROP is a voluntary activity on the part of the student. UROP projects are typically completed for credit as mandatory internships or as part of a Bachelor's thesis. In some cases, it is possible that students will be paid for their contribution to a research project by the host institution. Students receive a UROP certificate upon successful completion of a project.
The Projects Database provides students with an overview of projects currently available. If you would like to register for one of the projects offered there, please send us your application documents via email. Once they are submitted, they are reviewed and then forwarded to the respective project supervisor. Students can also directly contact the project supervisors to discuss the time frame of the project and additional details.