Research Week
About Research Week
Research Week is a university-wide celebration of research, creativity, and innovation across all disciplines at the University of North Florida. At UNF, Research Week consists of showcases, workshops, award ceremonies, symposia, and other events designed to showcase the prestigious research being conducted by UNF students, faculty, and staff. All members of the University of North Florida and members of the northeast Florida community are invited to join us as we celebrate the many contributions of the university community to advancements in knowledge, teaching, and creativity.
Research Week 2026 will be held from April 16-24.
Research Week Events
Thursday, April 16
Community Lecture Series: From Prevention to Possibility: Research That Shapes Everyday Health
Reception: 4:30 – 5:00 PM | Program: 5:00–6:00 PM
UNF MedNexus | 9911 Old Baymeadows Road
Join UNF MedNexus, the Office of Faculty Excellence, and the Office of Undergraduate Research for an elegant and engaging evening of scholarly conversation. The first annual UNF MedNexus Community Lecture Series as part of UNF Research Week will explore how university research moves from the labs to everyday life.
Featuring University of North Florida faculty whose work spans disease prevention, public health, movement and mobility, and the human dimensions of caregiving, this event highlights how research translates into real-world impact for individuals, families, and communities.
Designed in the tradition of a classic university gathering, the evening blends brief faculty reflections with moderated conversation and audience dialogue. This is not a formal lecture, but a welcoming exchange of ideas inviting curiosity, connection, and shared inquiry across campus and community.
Monday, April 20
Research NOW: Essential Workday Reports for Grants Management
3:00 – 4:00 pm
This session is designed for PIs, administrators, and finance professionals who support sponsored projects. Participants will learn how to use key Workday reports to review expenses, monitor budgets, reconcile balances, and identify issues to ensure effective grant management.
Tuesday, April 21
Funding Your Graduate Education Via Prestigious Fellowships w/ Dr. Tiffany Kershner
11:00 am
Building 2 (Founders Hall), Room 1202
During this informational session co-hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Office of Global and National Awards, Dr. Tiffany Kershner, Director of OGNA, will discuss the application components for external graduate funding opportunities, and tips on how to prepare a competitive application. The target audience for the workshop is upper-level undergraduate students of all majors.
RESEARCH NOW: How to Turn an Idea into a Fundable Research Project in an Ever-Changing Research Culture
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Securing research funding has never been more dynamic—or more challenging. Rapid shifts in federal priorities, expanding expectations around societal impact, emerging technologies, and increased competition mean that today’s researchers must do more than produce good ideas. They must be able to translate those ideas into compelling, fundable project concepts that resonate with funders, collaborators, and communities. In this session, participants will explore how to strategically shape early-stage research ideas into strong,competitive project narratives that meet the moment. Whether you are a new investigator looking to develop your first proposal or an experienced researcher navigating evolving funding landscapes, this session offers practical tools and insights to strengthen your approach and increase competitiveness in future funding cycles.
Wednesday, April 22
Research NOW: From Idea to Approval - Building Research the Right Way from Day One
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
This session offers a unified roadmap of the research-startup process across the Research Integrity ecosystem, including IRB, IACUC, and IBC review pathways. In this session, we will highlight the process gaps most likely to cause delays including: unspecified protocol procedures, incomplete animal or biohazard justifications, missing protocol components, misunderstanding of review types (e.g., 45 CFR 46 for human subjects, USDA/OLAW standards for animal work, NIH Guidelines for recombinant/synthetic nucleic acids), inadequate data or materials management plans, international compliance questions, and misclassification of quality improvement projects (informed by OHRP guidance). The goal of this session is to demystify compliance expectations and reduce the back-and-forth revision cycle that slows down research approvals, waivers, and determinations.
Friday, April 24
The Spring 2026 Student Research Symposium
John A. Delaney Student Union (B58) Ballrooms
STARS - Faculty Poster Competition and Voting
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Talon Room, Bldg. 16, 4th Floor
STARS - Discussions With Poster Presenters
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Talon Room, Bldg. 16, 4th Floor
STARS - Faculty and Staff Reception and Awards Ceremony (hors d'oeuvres will be served)
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Talon Room, Bldg. 16, 4th Floor