The OUR is excited to continue the Advancing Research Culture (ARC) program for its second semester in Spring 2026. Please visit the ARC webpage and ARC Student FAQ for more details on available faculty research projects, the application, and program logistics. 

Student applications are open now through November 5, 2025, at 12:00 pm (noon). 

What is ARC? 

The ARC program introduces first-year WashU undergraduate students to research by connecting them with ongoing faculty research projects. Through this hands-on experience, students explore their academic interests, gain early exposure to the research process, and develop foundational research skills that can benefit their future academic experience and development. In addition to forming a relationship with a faculty mentor, students selected for ARC become part of an interdisciplinary cohort of peers to enhance learning and a sense of community. 

ARC is aimed at students with little or no prior research experience. The program will run during the Spring 2026 semester and provides academic credit for research. Students eligible for federal work-study may also be able to use those funds to support their research engagement and are especially encouraged to apply. Eligibility for ARC is not restricted based upon race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex or gender. 

_{Header photo by Sweet Life on Unsplash.}