2025 Explore Computing Science Research Workshop
Supported by a Google Research exploreCSR 2024 award and Simon Fraser University’s Big Data Hub (BDH) and Center for Educational Excellence (CEE), the Computing Science Diversity Committee (CSDC) presents the Explore Computing Science Research Workshop.
This three-day workshop is designed to introduce you to computer science research, connect you to research groups and resources, and answer your questions about computer science research as a career path. It is an opportunity to explore the world of Computer Science Research in a short period and meet experts from academia and industry. You can also get help with graduate school applications and admission processes.
In this year’s workshop, participants will pick one of three themes to explore and develop their initial research plan. Selected interested students will be offered paid opportunities to continue working on their projects.
Eligibility and selection criteria:
Undergraduate students from any discipline interested in exploring computer science research who have completed at least one computer science or data science course.
Important Dates
- Application Open: April 1
- Round (1) Application Deadline: April 20
- Round (2) Application Deadline: April 27 (only for remaining project group positions)
- Notification of Acceptance: April 30
- Workshop: May 7 - 9 (9 am - 4 pm daily)
Before the workshop
You can join an optional one-hour information session for this event to ask questions as you prepare for the workshop.
- Date: April 17, 2025
- Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm PST
- Venue: Online (Zoom)
During the workshop
We will hold a three-day workshop from May 7-9, 2025, 9 am - 4 pm. During the workshop, you will:
- Hear from academic and industry experts
- Discuss research pathways in academia and industry
- Explore graduate admissions process and transition to graduate school life
- Expand awareness of possible financial resources to support your research journey
- Connect to Simon Fraser University Computer Science Research Professors interested in hiring graduate students
- Practice computer science research through a small data-driven research problem.
- Emerging Technologies for Computing Science Education
- Large Artificial Intelligence Models for Network Management
- Multimedia Networking for Immersive Extended Reality
The rooms will be open 8:30 am daily. The workshop sessions will happen from 9 am -12 pm and 1 - 3:45 pm with brief rest breaks and a one-hour break for lunch. Break snacks and a sandwich or a boxed lunch will be provided daily.
You will also:
- Enter a small research competition
- Be part of an online community
- Learn about follow-up research opportunities
- Get the right support for your graduate application
After the workshop
Selected interested students will be offered paid opportunities to continue working on their workshop projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be available in person for the duration of the program?
Yes. The program is in-person only, and you need to be available for the whole program.
Is the program remote or in-person?
The program is in-person only, but if you are not available to attend in person, you can apply to be a part of our online community (mailing list). This will not include the workshop content, but we will retain your contact information. We will then alert you to opportunities that arise and connect you with support that will aid you in exploring your research interests.
Do I need to be a CS major to apply?
No. We only require completion of at least one computer science or data science course (at SFU or elsewhere). The only other eligibility factor is your interest in exploring Computer Science Research.
Do I need to identify as a woman to apply?
No. Any student interested in Computer Science Research is welcome to apply. Broadening participation and providing equitable access to Computer Science Research is one of the important goals of this workshop. Therefore, applicants identifying as from a historically marginalized background (e.g., women, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, racialized, etc.) will be given priority.