The U of A Libraries invite students to showcase their creativity and technical skills in a 3D Printing Contest during Undergraduate Research Week 2026. Submissions will be accepted April 13-24.
Hosted by the Libraries' AR Creation Studios, the contest is open to current U of A undergraduate students and encourages participants to submit original 3D designs for printing and judging. The Libraries will cover the cost of materials. Makerspace staff will operate the printers and help prepare files for production, while students remain responsible for designing their own entries. Entries will be evaluated on creativity, theme and fairness.
The contest is part of Undergraduate Research Week, a campuswide celebration of student research, scholarship and creative activity featuring workshops, panels and presentations.
Undergraduate students of all majors and experience levels are encouraged to participate. Through the process, participants will gain practical experience in design thinking, problem-solving and digital fabrication, skills increasingly valuable in academic and professional settings.
Submission guidelines, deadlines and design requirements are available on the Libraries' contest webpage.
Contacts
Jay McAllister, Engineering and Honors College librarian
University Libraries
479-575-2480, jtmcalli@uark.edu
Kelsey Lovewell Lippard, director of public relations
University Libraries
479-575-7311, klovewel@uark.edu