University of Michigan - Flint

The Michigan Undergraduate Research Forum (MURF) is an undergraduate research conference sponsored jointly by the three campuses of the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University.  The forum is designed to allow students the opportunity to display poster presentations of their research in the rotunda of the State Capitol Building.

MURF was organized to inform state legislators of the value of the research experiences undergraduate students receive through Michigan's major universities.  The conference also serves to publicly recognize the contributions that our students make to research.

The date for next year's MURF will be determined at a later time.

Every MURF applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a Michigan resident
• Students with a GPA of 2.5 and higher will receive first priority
• Must be a currently enrolled student at UM-Flint (no restrictions on class or discipline; but juniors and seniors will receive first priority)
• Must submit a MURF application and a Faculty Recommendation form.  Due date for Application and Recommendation Form: To Be Announced
• Must be involved in a research project (conclusive or ongoing)
• Former participants are free to apply as well

While we encourage students to submit research topics representing various disciplines and areas, topics that will receive priority are those that are most pertinent to issues faced by our state representatives.  These areas include, by are not limited to, social sciences, environmental studies, economic policy, health-related issues, technological development, etc.

Although we are limited to selecting ten projects for MURF, projects may have more than one student.  However for logistical purposes, we ask that each project is represented by no more than two people. Each student who plans to participate must submit an application.

Should we exceed the number of applicants we can accept, a MURF selection panel will select student representatives. Each student will have a chance to do a brief presentation for the panel. After decisions are made, students wlll be notified. Decisions will be made based on the following criteria (in order of importance):

1. Topic of research: Is this a topic that is pertinent to issues faced by our state representatives?
2. Organization:  How well organized is the research (clear objectives, reliable methodology, etc.)?  Although the actual poster presentation does not have to be completed during the selection process, the research (objectives, methodologies, summaries, etc.) should be clearly defined.
3. Class standing:  Priority will be given to juniors and seniors (55 credit or more completed)
4. GPA:  Priority is given to students with a 2.5 GPA and higher
5. Demography:  We look to represent students of different academic backgrounds, ages, gender, race, and hometowns (for balanced legislative representation). 

We will contact every MURF applicant to inform them on our decision.

The selected MURF students will attend a mandatory MURF workshop that will help them prepare for the conference.  There, we will distribute the foam core board for students’ presentations; share information relating to what should be included on their poster, conference etiquette, MURF schedule details, travel arrangements, and things to expect at the conference.  Additionally, students will be required to contact their state representatives (by phone and by letter) to request an appointment to meet with them as well as to invite them to visit their poster.

On the day of the conference, faculty advisors, family and friends are all invited to attend.  The event is free and open to the public. However, travel arrangements and lunch will only be provided for the student presenters and the MURF committee.

In addition to having the chance to meet and network with our elected State Legislatures, the students will also receive free continental breakfast and lunch, certificates of participation, and complimentary copies of the annual MURF journal, a collection of all the research presented at the conference.

Students applying to MURF can either download a hard copy of the application form or by completing the form online. To complete an online form, click here.

For more information about MURF, contact Andre Louis at alouis@umflint.edu.