The Honors Research Conference is a celebration of undergraduate research hosted each spring by the DePaul University Honors Program. All Honors students are welcome to submit their original research for consideration. The conference gives students the opportunity to present their research in a formal academic setting while showcasing the outstanding intellectual work being done by Honors students across campus. Conference participants fulfill the Honors Scholarship milestone of Honors Distinction. Conference attendees encounter research that poses fascinating questions and challenges assumptions.
The application to present at the 2026 Honors Research Conference is now open! Apply here.
Eligibility
Submissions are open to currently enrolled undergraduate students participating in the University Honors Program. Research must have been conducted during the current academic year.
Honors Research Conference Research Criteria
Topic & Originality
The submission must present original research, analysis, or creative inquiry. Work should demonstrate a clear research question or thesis and contribute a meaningful perspective to the chosen field of study.
Depth & Substance
While no strict page or word count is required, all submissions must demonstrate substantive engagement with the topic reflecting intellectual depth, thorough investigation, and well-developed argumentation or analysis.
Scholarship Requirements
Submissions considered for acceptance must draw upon a minimum of three peer-reviewed, scholarly sources. Sources should be appropriately cited using a citation style standard to the relevant discipline (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). Non-scholarly sources (blogs, general websites, popular news articles) may be used to supplement but do not count toward the three-source minimum.
Academic Disciplines
Research from all academic disciplines is encouraged, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, fine arts, and professional fields.
Submission Formats
Students may submit research in one of the following formats:
- Traditional Essay or Research Paper – A written scholarly paper with a thesis, evidence-based body, and conclusion.
- Research in Other Forms – Students may submit work in a non-traditional format, such as a documentary, podcast, visual art project, creative writing portfolio, data visualization, or digital exhibit. Alternative medium submissions must be accompanied by a 1-2 page researcher’s or artist’s statement explaining the research question, methodology, and how the chosen medium serves the work. Scholarly source requirements still apply.
Honors Research Conference FAQ
Why should you participate?
Earn Honors Scholarship
Participating in the Honors Research Conference is only one of two ways that students can earn Honors Scholarship, a necessary tier for Honors Distinction. The only other way to earn Honors Scholarship is by completing a Senior Thesis, which also requires you to present at the Honors Research Conference
Explore a Passion Project
Did you conduct research in an Honors course this year that you are fascinated by and proud of, and that you want to share with your academic colleagues? The Honors Research Conference is a place to engage deeply with compelling ideas and novel thinking, allowing you to expound on a topic or project that motivates you.
Preparation for an Honors Thesis
All Honors students are required to complete an Honors Capstone before graduation. Many choose to undertake an independent Honors Senior Thesis to achieve this requirement. Participating in the Honors Research Conference approximates the experience of creating a thesis on a smaller scale and can help you decide if pursuing an Honors Senior Thesis is the right path for you.
Preparation for Graduate School
If graduate school might be in your future, the Honors Research Conference is an excellent opportunity to experience what it will be like to share your research with others, discuss methodologies and answer questions, and even simulate a defense of your thesis.
Who can participate?
All DePaul University Honors students, regardless of major or year in school, can participate in the Honors Research Conference.
What does participating entail?
Step 1: Choose a Research Project
Identify a paper or other form of research that you undertook during an Honors course this past academic year that you are particularly proud of, passionate about, or wish to explore further.
Step 2: Apply to the Conference
Apply to present at the Honors Research Conference. The Honors Program will open the Honors Research Conference application in early spring. The application consists of short answer questions verifying your eligibility, an abstract of your research project, and the essay itself. If submitting research in a form other than a traditional essay, you will submit a 1-2 page artist’s/researcher’s statement.
Step 3: Create a Poster
If your application to present is accepted, you will then work with Honors faculty and staff to create a poster that visually represents your thesis, methodologies, research, and findings.
Step 4: Present at the Conference
On the day of the conference, you will stand by your poster to discuss your research and answer the questions of conference attendees, including DePaul faculty, staff, students, and guests.
Step 5: Celebrate!
Celebrate your incredible contributions to undergraduate Honors research! Academic conferences are places to share new ideas and collaborate with colleagues. This is where your course work comes alive.
What kinds of projects are considered?
The Honors Program will consider any research paper or project as long as it meets the research criteria given above and was completed during the past academic year in an Honors course.
Will there be workshops to help me prepare?
Yes! Once your application has been accepted, the Honors Program will host workshops to help you learn more about what to expect, how to prepare your poster, and how to engage with your audience.
Does participating in the Honors Research Conference earn Honors Scholarship?
Yes! Participating in the conference will earn you Honors Scholarship, a necessary milestone for Honors Distinction.
I still have questions …
Email the DePaul University Honors Program at honorsprogram@depaul.edu.
Consider Checking Out…
Honors Research Conference Archive
Recommend a Professor to Teach for the Honors Program
For individual questions about the Honors Research Conference or the Honors Senior Thesis option, email honorsprogram@depaul.edu.