Science research by undergraduates is growing in Pennsylvania as elsewhere, according to the National Council on Undergraduate Research, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. 

The learning pendulum has swung so far that many undergraduates and professors view substantive research before earning a bachelor's degree as essential to advancing career goals. Such research includes work published in scholarly journals; work that is part of a project led by a scientist, professor or graduate student; or work paid for by a grant.

Since 2004, the number of member institutions in the nonprofit Council on Undergraduate Research in Washington grew to about 600 from 385, said Nancy Hensel, executive officer. Today, about 5,000 individuals are members. Both totals are all-time highs. In 2007, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education became the first system to join the council.

Original source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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