Undergraduate Research at Illinois

The Data Mining Group (DMG) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking motivated undergraduate students for a summer research opportunity in machine learning, large language models (LLMs), information retrieval, and AI agents. Students will work closely with PhD researchers on ongoing projects related to retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), search agents, reinforcement learning for LLMs, and trustworthy AI systems. Responsibilities may include literature review, implementing and running experiments, analyzing results, and contributing to research prototypes and papers.

We welcome students from Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields, though students from other majors with strong technical backgrounds are also encouraged to apply. Prior experience with Python, machine learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch), or NLP/LLM research is preferred but not strictly required. Strong programming skills, curiosity, and willingness to learn are highly valued.

This is a paid research opportunity for Summer 2026. Expected time commitment is approximately 10–20 hours per week, with flexibility depending on availability and project needs.

To apply, please email your resume/CV, transcript (unofficial is fine), and a brief statement of interest describing your background and research interests. Questions can also be directed via email to: [email protected], or [email protected].

The Undergraduate Research Symposium has officially begun! Join us at the Illini Union from 9-5 today! 🥳

Tomorrow the Illini Union will be filled with over 1000 Undergraduate Researchers, sharing their hard work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium!!

Presenters, it is your time to shine! We can't wait to hear about your research!
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Thursday, April 30, 9:00 - 5:00
Illini Union: Rooms A,B,C, South Lounge, and Second Floor
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For event descriptions, presenter information, and project titles please view at the program: go.illinois.edu/URWProgram.

In just 2 days the Illini Union will be transformed to host the Undergraduate Research Symposium!! You aren't going to want to miss this showcase of excellent undergraduate research!

Thursday, April 30, 9:00 - 5:00
Illini Union: Rooms A,B,C, South Lounge, and Second Floor

For event descriptions, presenter information, and project titles please view at the program: go.illinois.edu/URWProgram.

🔵🟠Only 3 days to go until the Illinois Undergraduate Research Symposium! 🟠🔵 Join us to celebrate our amazing undergraduate student researchers and discover the incredible work they've been doing! Presenters, we're so excited to see you shine and share your passion! Want to learn more? Check out go.illinois.edu/URWProgram.

For more information, please visit go.illinois.edu/URWProgram.

🔵🟠Check out these events happening during Undergraduate Research Week!🔵🟠

Undergraduate Research Week showcases the best of undergraduate research and creative inquiry at Illinois! You aren't going to want to miss these awesome events happening across campus!
Swipe to see details for each event.

To view the program, please visit: go.illinois.edu/URWProgram.

Join the Office of Undergraduate Research for a week of fun, discovery, and prizes as we celebrate Undergraduate Research Week! On Monday, April 27, we will start the Undergraduate Research Week Scavenger Hunt. See below for how you can win!

Across campus, you’ll find plaques highlighting iconic research discoveries made at Illinois. Throughout the week, we’ll be posting photos of these plaques with key details blurred out 👀.

How to play:
1) Follow us on Instagram .
2) Check our page daily at 10am April 27 – 30.
3) We’ll post a plaque and a question about the research featured.
4) Find the plaque on campus and uncover the answer.
5) Comment your answer before 5pm

Everyone who submits a correct answer will be entered into a daily drawing. Winners will be announced at 6pm each day!

Drop any questions you have in the comments! Happy exploring! 😀

The April Research Insider, OUR's monthly newsletter, just hit subscriber inboxes! This month we feature the exciting events, workshops, expos, and more that make up Undergraduate Research Week!

If you want to see more undergraduate research resources & opportunities make sure you are subscribed to the newsletter: go.illinois.edu/subscribeOUR.

The countdown is on! Join us in just 14 days for the Undergraduate Research Symposium!

Thursday, April 30
Illini Rooms ABC, South Lounge, and the Second Floor

Learn more at go.illinois.edu/URS

Turn in tickets to win prizes at the Undergraduate Research Symposium Raffle! 🎟️
April 30, Illini Union Rooms A, B, C
Winning tickets drawn at 6pm & notified via email

Symposium attendees will receive one ticket upon entering the symposium.

Talk to OUR Research Ambassadors at URW tabling events to earn 5 more tickets!!
April 15th, 20th, 27th, & 29th, 2:30-4:30, Main Quad

For Symposium details visit go.illlinois.edu/URS