Abstract

Background: Undergraduate Research (UR) is an essential component of education in research-based universities. Investigations have shown that UR is considered to be one of the most potent methods to effectively learn in a problem-based fashion. Therefore, adopting mechanisms to promote and sustain UR should be part of any research-based institute. Keeping this in mind, the College of Medicine at Alfaisal University has created an innovative and integrated model of a student-run undergraduate research committee to support its diverse student body’s research activities. Methods: In this report, we will dissect our implemented model of undergraduate research by describing the various undergraduate research programs and activities, exploring students’ perception about the performance of the Undergraduate Research Committee via structured online survey, and reporting approaches used with the aims of targeting students, administrations, and the higher education community. Results: 25% (N=77) responded to the online structured survey. Over half of the students agree that the Undergraduate Research Committee is offering a wide range of undergraduate research activities.Also; over half of the students agree that the Undergraduate Research Committee is putting forth effective communication by providing orientation sessions about the ongoing research activities via various ways including email, announcement in classes and College of Medicine newsletters. Since the URC is a student-led committee, it is necessary to evaluate the students-faculty ratio of running and supervising the committee, respectively. In this regard, one-third of all students who took the survey were neutral and less than half agree that URC is maintaining professional standards and adhering to guidelines. Regarding the role of URC in providing enough funding and incentive support, around quarter and over third of students agree and disagree, respectively. Even though it is a new institute, the students leading the committee have the ability to develop and enhance the undergraduate research in a short period of time greatly as over half of students, and less than 14% agree and disagree, respectively that there is progress in the performance of URC. Conclusion: Students-Led Undergraduate Research Committee is proved to be effective, diverse and sustained model that is improving and progressing over time.