About the Program


What is Calit2?

UCSD Calit2 is a non-academic university research unit where researchers from different disciplines come together to study and develop new technology to address needs and issues in our economy and society.

Program Overview

The UCSD Calit2 Summer Undergraduate Research Scholar Program provides college students with the opportunity to perform hands-on research under the guidance of a UCSD faculty advisor over a 10-week period. The student can either assist in an ongoing research project or propose a new project.

Students will attend weekly seminars to learn more about applying to and preparing for graduate school, funding opportunities for research, connecting with current UCSD graduate students, career opportunities in academia and industry, and making good scientific presentations. All participants will display the results of their research efforts at a poster session at the end of the program a Certificate of Merit will be awarded.

Program Structure

  • Scholars dedicate 40 hours/wk for 10 weeks to their research projects and participate in weekly seminars, presentations, and tours as scheduled which all count toward the 40 hour work week
  • Research presentations: Scholars give updates on their projects and receive feedback from faculty advisors.
  • Enrichment Seminars: Give insight into academic research and career planning.
  • Building Tours: Allow students to withness cutting-edge research done at Calit2
  • Social Activities: Mingle and connect with your peers

For examples of a typical program schedule, see our current on-line calendars here (2009 Calendar).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a UCSD undergraduate student registered for Spring quarter or an incoming freshman registered for Fall quarter. Graduating seniors are also eligible.
  • Preference given to students with GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and must submit an unofficial transcript (e.g. a screenshot or printout of Academic History)
  • Must have a UCSD faculty advisor
  • Letter of recommendation from faculty advisor who also approves research proposal

Research Proposal Requirements

  • Research proposals must fit with the mission of Calit2, directed towards research in telecomminications and information technology, or their impact on new advances in a range of applications important to the economy and quality of life.
  • The research proposal must consist of a clear thesis which explains the problem/question your research project will address and a brief explanation of your planned approach or possible approaches to answering the main problem/question you presented in your thesis.

Scholarship Information

  • $3000 total processed in two payments: $1500 awarded end of 5th week, another $1500 awarded upon successful completion of the program.

Selection Process

A selection committee composed of several UCSD faculty members review the applications. The committee makes their selections based on the following criteria:
1. Meet all the eligibility requirements
2. Recommendation letter from faculty advisor
3. Quality of research proposal
4. Proposal in line with Calit2's mission

More information can be found on the FAQs section of the site. Additional questions can be directed to ugradprogram@calit2.net.