Call for submissions: 2022 Oswald Research and Creativity Competition

The University of Kentucky Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is now accepting submissions for the 58th annual Oswald Research and Creativity Competition. The competition accepts reports of all forms of creativity and scholarship by UK undergraduates.

Established in 1964 by then-President John Oswald as part of the university’s Centennial Celebration, the Oswald Research and Creativity Competition encourages undergraduate research across all fields of study.

Students who enter the competition will pick a category that most closely aligns with their project. The seven submission categories include:

• Biological Sciences;
• Design (architecture, landscape architecture, interior design);      
• Fine Arts (film, music, painting, sculpture, video);
• Humanities: Creative;
• Humanities: Critical Research;
• Physical and Engineering Sciences; and 
• Social Sciences.

The Design and Fine Arts student submissions will be displayed in the Lucille Caudill Little Fine Arts Library from Nov. 7-11, 2022.

Eligibility

Any current UK undergraduate (full- or part-time) who does not already have a four-year degree is eligible for this competition and is invited to submit papers and other projects. Students have the option of submitting multiple projects in different categories, but can only submit a single project in one category (e.g. report in Biological Sciences and photo project in Fine Arts).

Selection, recognition and awards

Student submissions are sent anonymously to faculty reviewers in related fields and are judged based on a rubric. Entries are judged on originality, clarity of expression, scholarly or artistic contribution, and the validity, scope and depth of the project or investigation. To view previous winning submissions, click here.

A total of 14 student cash awards will be awarded. First place ($350), second place ($200) and honorable mention, if applicable, awards will be presented to winners in each category and announced during a special awards ceremony on Nov. 17 at 4:30 p.m. in the Lucille Caudill Little Fine Arts Library.

The deadline to submit is Oct. 30, 2022.