CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Awards

An annual award program that recognizes undergraduate students in North American colleges and universities for outstanding research contributions in computing. Multiple awards are made each year, with recipients receiving financial assistance to attend a research conference and certificates. Departments nominate students; self-nomination is not permitted. Awardees, runners-up, finalists, and honorable mentions are announced on the CRA website and contacted by email.

Up to $1,500 to attend a research conference, announcement on CRA website, direct email contact, and a mailed certificate; some nominees designated as runners-up, finalists, and honorable mentions.

Students enrolled as undergraduates in North American colleges or universities in Fall 2026 are eligible for the 2026-2027 award; nominations must include the electronic signature of the chair/head of the nominee’s home department and students may not self-nominate.

Departments submit a nomination form (submission is on behalf of the department chair but may be prepared/submitted by a designated representative). Required uploads include one faculty recommendation letter and student materials: resume (up to two pages), research summary (up to 750 words), personal statement (up to 300 words), and academic transcript(s). Students cannot self-nominate.