<p>@cpt, I think it’s not that hard for undergraduates to find research opportunities at research universities. Some programs even require it. This site is full of stories of high school students who managed to find research opportunities at colleges. Surely the undergraduates have a better chance at it. Of course, it may require some persistence and some commitment, and there will probably be competition for the best opportunities. I’m sure the nobel laureates cannot accept every freshman who walks in the door expecting to get their own nobel after a few weeks of work. Still, I think anyone who is interested, does their homework, and willing to work hard would find a place.</p>