Are you an early-stage investigator looking to launch your research career? Numerous funding agencies offer grant programs specifically designed to support emerging researchers as they establish independent research programs, build preliminary data, and develop competitive research portfolios.

Early Career Grant opportunities are available across a wide range of disciplines from federal agencies, foundations, and professional societies. Programs such as the NSF CAREER Award, Department of Energy Early Career Research Program, and many foundation-sponsored young investigator awards provide critical support for innovative research and career development.

Explore our curated list of Early Career Grant Opportunities

Navigating next steps in the IRB process? Use the guidance below to ensure your submissions are completed correctly:

Responding to requested revisions:

Use this guide when the IRB has asked for changes to your submission

→ Respond to Changes Requested by the IRB Reviewer

Making changes to an approved study:

Use this process to request updates after approval

→ Submit a Modification to an Approved Protocol

Renewing or closing your study:

For full board studies requiring continuing review, or when your study is complete

→Complete a Continuing Review or Study Closure

If you’re unsure which pathway applies, reach out to our office—we’re happy to help ensure your submission is routed correctly.

For questions, contact: Billy Hutchings – Research Compliance Officer, at wshutchings@wcu.edu

The State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) is held each November at a host institution within the UNC and NC Independent Colleges and Universities systems. This statewide symposium started at NC State University and now rotates among public and private institutions of higher learning in North Carolina.

It has grown to be a large event for any undergraduate student in North Carolina to be able to present their research or creative work. Presentations can be posters, oral presentations, exhibits, or performances.

All undergraduate students enrolled in North Carolina colleges, universities, or community colleges and high school students who have completed a mentored research project through an accredited university or other Summer Ventures or research program are eligible to participate in SNCURCS. Presentations include Poster, Oral, Exhibit and Performance options.

SAVE THE DATE!

This year the SNCURCS conference will be held on November 7, 2026 at UNC Charlotte, in Charlotte, NC. For the first time ever, WCU will support a select number of students with their travel and registration for this conference.

For questions and inquiries, please contact Suzanne Melton, Research Programs Coordinator, at scmelton@wcu.edu.