Advocacy is an important part of the research experience! Students and researchers who participate in advocacy can influence policy and funding, advance public awareness, drive innovation, and empower communities and stakeholders.
Each year, OURI partners with the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) by participating in the national STR program - Scholars Transforming through Research.
STR engages students in the varied stages of the undergraduate research process. Participants learn valuable skills in communicating the impact of their undergraduate research experiences to a variety of audience members and stakeholders. Participants will serve as CUR Advocacy Ambassadors and learn how to advocate for the impact of research with media contacts, community members, funding agencies, and governmental representatives.
The OURI-STR program begins in November 2025 and runs through March 2026. The program includes:
- Monthly online training sessions coverings tops like Connecting and Building Relationships with Policymakers, Op-ed Writing and Pitching, Policy Brief Writing, Media Interviews, and more!
- A scheduled online meeting with congressional representatives.
- Networking opportunities with disciplinary associations, program officers, and faculty and students from institutions nationwide.
- A fall trip to Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, TX on November 14th, 2025.
- A meeting with Rice's Government Relations Team.
- A trip to Washington D.C. on March 2 & 3, 2026 for on-site training with CUR advocacy partners and in-person Capitol Hill visits.
Applications are due on September 12th. Applicants must be registered voters. Apply here.
Questions? Email Abby at as60@rice.edu