The first annual weeklong celebration of undergraduate research took place March 21–26, 2010, spotlighting undergraduate researchers, scholars, artists, and performers with a concert, an honors symposium, an art competition, and a student paper competition. US Senator Lamar Alexander, former UT president, gave the event’s keynote address, “Research and the Public Good.” The week is sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office and coordinated by the Office of Research.
The Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement is held during the week, and the EURēCA awards are made. During the 2011 Research Week, the website http://research.utk.edu/undergrad/ was launched, including a database of past undergraduate research activities and a tool that allows faculty to post future opportunities for students to apply online. Testimonials and feature articles also give undergraduates a more in-depth look at what their peers are doing.