R&CW Conference Information

The Research & Creative Works Conference is an academic venue that allows students at BYU-Idaho to participate in undergraduate research or original work in a student's field of study and present it in a professional setting.


This conference is modeled after the format of national meetings of scientific and professional societies. Over 500 students have participated in previous semesters from over 30 different programs. Students have participated in a wide variety of individual, group, and faculty mentored research that has helped provide them with higher education experiences beyond the classroom.

Submissions are organized into in-person presentations (poster), presentations over Zoom (virtual), live demonstrations from the mechanical engineering category, and artistic performances (live performance). Participants will present in front of an evaluating panel of faculty judges.

Students who apply themselves to education realize that higher learning can take place beyond the classroom. Research invariably enriches a student's academic experience and is evidence of their proactivity and engagement in their chosen discipline. Research is a powerful resume item allowing students to apply to better internships and to maximize their early career and academic opportunities. Research is also one of the best ways to determine whether the chosen field of study will bring fulfillment to the life of the student.


For example, if a student is considering a career in chemistry, taking the opportunity to go through the critical thinking, research, and writing of a chemist will help a student decide if that is a favorable career choice. Undergraduate research can offer invaluable networking experiences with faculty mentors who will be able to write more detailed letters of recommendation to post-baccalaureate institutions.

The Research & Creative Works Conference is extended to all with a passion for ingenuity and a love for learning. Specifically, this event will greatly benefit:


Students who perform mentored research

The R&CW Conference serves as a platform for these students to present their work and network with other presenters and mentors who have similar interests. In addition, a certificate will be given to all participants to include in resumes and post-baccalaureate school applications.



Students who are interested in performing mentored research

Those who have not participated in research or those who are searching for future project ideas have much to gain from interacting with student researchers and learning from their experiences. It is also a chance for inexperienced students to meet with faculty mentors and discuss with them their topics of interest.



Students who are undecided about a major

Any student with an undeclared major or any student who is considering changing their major will be able to ask questions to passionate students from each department. This will provide them with accurate information about what each major has to offer and explore different career possibilities.



Faculty endorsement

Faculty members that have acted as mentors to student researchers are officially recognized by the university and are encouraged to come and celebrate the success of their mentorees. The conference also provides the opportunity for faculty to meet potential future student researchers and to collaborate with other faculty mentors. Each student participant is required to have a faculty endorsement upon submission of their project.



Campus community and online students

Anyone who is not a student at BYU-Idaho or who is pursuing their education online is invited and encouraged to come to this event and learn about the exciting work going on on-campus.

Original work created by students or refined research of an original study can be presented in the conference as a poster presentation, a virtual presentation, a live demonstration of machinery or instrumentation, or as an artistic performance. Submissions can be an independent project, a senior thesis, a capstone project, or any significant class project.

To register, select the drop-down menu associated with the “Registration” tab at the top left of the page. Then select the “Register →” button and walk through the steps of the application and submit.