UAB is the only university in the state of Alabama designated as "Doctoral/Very High Research Activity" by the Carnegie Foundation.  UAB has many opportunities for undergraduates to conduct short- and long-term research projects with faculty mentors. Many departments at UAB including chemistry, biology, physics, and biomedical engineering have long-standing departmental honors programs aimed at juniors and seniors that involve year long, independent research projects mentored directly by faculty. UHP students become fully integrated in their research labs and are very productive in terms of research presentations, papers, and the winning of national awards.

Each April, UAB holds an undergraduate research day, the UAB EXPO.  UHP students generally contribute a number of posters and podium presentations at the EXPO.  UAB students also present their work at state, regional and national honors conferences.  Students also have the opportunity to publish their work in UAB's undergraduate research journal, Inquiro, which was launched in 2007 by UHP student Suzanne McCluskey, and is currently edited by UHP seniors Rachael Rosales and Miranda Collier.