There is a myth that only graduate students get to participate in research opportunities, however, the fourth annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, hosted by the Students’ Union, will take place in the MacEwan Student Centre on Nov. 19.

“The Undergraduate Research Symposium is an opportunity for undergraduate researchers at U of C to show the community what they have been studying,” said SU vice-president academic Meg Martin.

Last year, 80 students submitted projects and more are wanted to participate in this year’s event.

Most students will be displaying posters but some will be presenting orally. Participants are eligible to win $500 for their projects, coming from a variety of sources such as the SU itself and the Graduate Students’ Association.

Winners are chosen by a committee for each prize-awarding body depending on the criteria they developed.

“We expect around $8,000 [in total prize money], but hope to secure more,” she said.

Projects can be about anything and past projects have included topics like environmental radicalism, birth control in Costa Rica and even Santa Claus. Students’ projects can even have an international impact.

Two years ago a student rediscovered old documents in a Harvard library and was then invited to an Ivy League conference.

Martin encourages all students to check out the projects on display.

“[The symposium is] an event where students who are not involved in research can be inspired to engage, and learn how they can [become involved].”

Undergraduate students who wish to submit a project must do so by this Friday, Oct. 9.

“[It’s a] great avenue to get feedback from students and community members, and a way to learn how to make technical research relevant and understandable for the average viewer,” said Martin.