The SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) is a multidisciplinary spring-semester event that brings together undergraduate students and faculty mentors from across the SUNY system for a full day of activities. These include student presentations (artistic displays, performances, and oral and poster presentations), a luncheon, keynote speakers, a Transfer, Graduate School & Career Fair, and professional development workshops for students and faculty.
By convening participants from across the state, SURC demonstrates the synergistic power of the SUNY system. SURC is supported by the Offices of the Chancellor, the Provost, and the Research Foundation, as well as SUNY student and faculty governance organizations.
The 14th (Fourteenth) annual SURC Conference will be hosted at:
View the official conference website
Participation at both sites is on a first come/first served basis and space is limited. Information regarding abstract submissions, presentation guidelines, transfer/graduate/career fair tables and registration for 2027 will be available in November.
History & Goals
In 2015, Brockport hosted the inaugural SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC), and since then, institutions across all SUNY sectors have served as hosts. Most recently, Fredonia and Upstate Medical University hosted SURC 2026, each welcoming nearly 300 student presenters. SURC 2027 will be held at Stony Brook University and Onondaga Community College. As interest in the conference continues to grow, strong attendance and enthusiastic participation are expected at both sites.
SURC aligns with Chancellor King’s goal that every undergraduate student engages in experiential learning opportunities, such as undergraduate research. At SURC, the depth and breadth of creative and scholarly work across SUNY campuses are on full display. While some students perform original musical compositions, screen short films, and exhibit art works, other students present on cutting-edge scientific research that they conduct under the guidance of faculty mentors in advanced research laboratories. Other presentations highlight research in the social sciences, including studies of gender representation in hip-hop lyrics, substance use prevention strategies, and educational reform. Presentations span all academic disciplines, and students from all sectors of the SUNY System participate in this event.
In addition to showcasing their work, students develop as scholars by presenting their research, receiving feedback, and building connections with peers, faculty, and academic and career recruiters. SURC provides students with the opportunity to lay the foundation for future academic and professional opportunities.
Since its inception in 2015, SURC has been hosted by a number of SUNY campuses. Each campus brings a unique perspective to the planning and execution of this annual conference, and allows students from across the system to shine. Below is the list of campuses that have served as hosts:
|
Year |
Campuses and Dates (if known) |
|
2026 |
Fredonia (April 21st) and Upstate Medical University (April 24th) |
|
2025 |
Binghamton University (April 28th) |
|
2024 |
University at Buffalo (April 15th) and Suffolk County Community College (April 26th) |
|
2023 |
Maritime and Oneonta |
|
2022 |
Buffalo State |
|
2021 |
Old Westbury - Held online due to COVID |
|
2020 |
Cancelled due to COVID |
|
2019 |
Adirondack, Farmingdale and Niagara |
|
2018 |
Oneonta and Monroe |
|
2017 |
Suffolk and Fredonia |
|
2016 |
Cobleskill |
|
2015 |
Brockport |
For general questions and comments about SURC, please contact SURC@SUNY.edu.