How to get started in research as an Undergradute student?
Undergraduate Research may seems something impossible to many students however it is not. IBSA Research & Career division (IRCD) has prepared a simple guide for undergraduate students to get an idea about Research and how they can get started.
What is Undergraduate Research? Or Research?
Imagine you have a question that nobody around you can answer properly. You’re curious, so you start reading, observing, testing things out, and connecting different ideas to find your own answer. That’s research—it’s the process of discovering something new, solving problems, or deepening our understanding of the world. Research isn’t just about sitting in a lab or writing papers; it’s about exploration.
It’s the same curiosity that made people wonder what’s beyond the stars, how diseases spread, or why people behave the way they do. Whether it’s developing a new technology, understanding human emotions, or analyzing historical patterns, research is what moves knowledge forward.
It’s not just for professors or scientists—it’s for anyone who asks “why” and genuinely wants to find out.
Why should Undergraduates care about undergraduate Research?
Most students go through college just following what they’re taught— learning from textbooks, passing exams, and moving on. But research takes learning to a different level. Instead of just consuming knowledge, you start creating it.
It gives you the freedom to explore topics beyond the syllabus, question what’s already known, and come up with your own insights.
For an undergraduate, doing research can be a game-changer. It helps develop critical thinking, which is basically the ability to analyze information, connect ideas, and make informed decisions.
Employers and universities value this skill because it means you can solve problems independently, not just follow instructions. If you’re planning to apply for scholarships or higher studies, research experience makes you stand out because it shows that you can think deeply and work on real-world challenges.
Beyond academics and career benefits, research can be incredibly fulfilling. It gives you a sense of ownership over what you learn. Instead of memorizing facts, you get to discover things for yourself. You’ll also connect with mentors, professors, and like-minded students who share your curiosity. Many undergraduates find research exciting because it allows them to contribute something meaningful, no matter how small, to the world’s knowledge.
Common myths about Undergraduate Research
1. “Research is only for science students.” – Not true. Research happens in literature, business, psychology, history, and even music. Every field has unanswered questions.
2. “You need to be a genius to do research.” – Absolutely not. Good research is about curiosity and persistence, not IQ.
3. “Research is only for PhD students.” – Nope! Undergraduates can do research too, even in their first year. Many discoveries start with young, curious minds.
4. “Research is just about reading and writing papers.” – It’s much more than that. Depending on your field, it could involve experiments, surveys, coding, interviews, or even designing new products.
5. “Research is boring and has no real impact.” – Some of the biggest discoveries started as student research projects. Even if your research doesn’t change the world, it will change the way you think, and that’s just as valuable.
Types of Research
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How to get started with Research as an Undergraduate student?
1: Find Your Interest Area: Reflect on what excites you and explore topics that spark curiosity.
2: Learn Research Basics : Read academic papers, understand methodologies, and practice forming research questions.
3: Connect with Researchers and Labs: Reach out to professors, join research groups, and explore ongoing projects in your field.
4: Gain Skills : Develop essential skills like coding, data analysis, and literature review.
5: Apply for Research Opportunities: Look for internships, assistantships, or independent research projects.
How to write research paper as a beginner
Basic Structure of a Research Paper
Title – Clearly reflects your study.
Abstract – A brief summary of the research question, methods, and findings.
Introduction – Background, problem statement, and significance of the research.
Methodology – Explanation of experiments, data collection, and analysis.
Results – Presentation of findings with figures and tables.
Discussion – Interpretation of results and their implications.
Conclusion – Summary and possible future research directions.
References – Citations of all sources used.
HOW TO CHOOSE A RESEARCH QUESTION
Read, read & read. As an undergraduate you haven’t explored the deapth of ocean of your subject . Start with articles, and literature review papers, and as you read take notes and discussion what is still there to be found. What are the limitations, holes in it.
Question:
- Should address a real gap in scientific knowledge.
- Must be clear, specific, and researchable.
- Feasibility matters—consider available resources and time.
- Reading papers and discussing ideas with mentors can help refine it.
WHERE TO PUBLISH?
You can Publish at any Publication who Publishes your paper regardless of Education Qualification, or publication which accepts Undergraduate student’s paper.
Some Journals:
- IBSA Scientific Publication (Reach out to IBSA Scientific publishing division for more details)
- Journal of Emerging Investigators MIT Undergraduate
- Research Journal (MURJ) Elsevier and Springer
- undergraduate-friendly journals
Conferences
Universities and institutes worldwide regularly organize STEM conferences for students to present research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
“Do I need to be in a top university to do research?”
No, research depends on your curiosity and dedication, not just your institution.
“Can I do research if I don’t have a professor guiding me?”
Yes, self-guided research is possible using online resources, open-access journals, and virtual collaborations, however it’s always best to find a mentor.
“How do I get funding for research?”
Look for university grants, government programs, private foundations, and research competitions.
(If you have any questions write at : centralibsaofficial@gmail.com)