Cal Poly is currently accepting applications from current students and 2025 alumni (including undergraduate, blended and graduate students in all disciplines) to compete in the 2026 CSU Student Research Competition (CSU SRC).
Applications are due no later than EOD on Monday, Jan. 12. When you apply, you enter an internal competition. Cal Poly jurors will then select the 10 projects that represent the campus at the CSU SRC via this internal competition.
Information Session: Thursday, Jan. 8 from 11:10 a.m. to noon. (Zoom Meeting ID 883 6250 1116)
More information & how to apply.
About the CSU Research Competition
The California State University Student Research Competition is an annual event that brings together scholars from the 23 campuses of our California State University system. The competition showcases undergraduate and graduate research, scholarship, and creative works by recognizing outstanding student accomplishments across the 23 campuses.
Note: For AY 2025-26, Cal Poly Solano / Maritime Academy and Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo are still considered separate campuses and can send separate delegations. However, we are using the same form and deadlines for student applications. (Updated 12/17/25.)
Current undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent alumni from all academic disciplines can participate. Each year, over 200 students from the 23 CSU campuses submit written papers and make oral presentations before juries of professional experts from major corporations, foundations, public agencies, and universities in California. Students who compete in the CSU Student Research Competition can win $500 for first place and $250 for second place recognition in their session.
Important Dates for 2026
- Th 1/8/26, 11:10am-12pm Info Session (Zoom Meeting ID 883 6250 1116)
- M 1/12/26, EOD CA time – Apply! (Deadline for Solano/Maritime & San Luis Obispo students)
- 2/19-2/21/26 – Internal Competition for San Luis Obispo students (in-person)
- 4/23-4/25/26 – CSU-wide Student Research Competition (with delegations from San Luis Obispo & Solano/Maritime)
Have a question? Please email studentresearch@calpoly.edu to contact the Office of Student Research.
