UREP funds can be used for short or long term field research, as seed money for new research, to extend continuing projects, supplement other grants and support graduate students or additional staff. Support is provided by selected members of the public who subsidize the research costs through their fees and contributions. At the same time, they contribute their own skills and time as short-term field assistants. Most UREP projects have groups of six to ten participants assisting at any one time for two to four week periods. UREP administers, coordinates and publicizes the expeditions and prepares informational materials for the participants.
Researchers review all volunteer applications to select the most appropriate volunteers.
Principal Investigator status is not required for consideration. Graduate students may apply as independent field directors with the sponsorship of a faculty advisor or receive full or partial funding as assistants to a faculty member. Projects in any discipline which can incorporate UREP volunteer participation will be considered. Research projects involving specimen collection, excavation, interviewing, field observations, photography or surveying are particularly suited to UREP funding. Selection is based on the proposal's scientific merits and the feasibility of donor-participant involvement.