Nuffield Science Bursaries
University academics are invited to support an external bursary scheme that is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.
The bursaries
Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries offer up to 1,000 bursaries every year for 16-17 year old students to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians for a period of 4-6 weeks over the summer holiday.
Students in the first year of a post-16 science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) course are eligible to apply for a bursary of £80 per week to support them during their project. These students are motivated and enthusiastic young people who would benefit greatly from experiencing life in a scientific or technological environment, with placements available across the UK, in universities, industry or research institutions.
Past success
Helen Beaumont, a bursary student who attended the University of Hertfordshire in 2008 to do a Summer Research project in astronomy, was selected to represent the UK at the Stockholm International Youth Seminar in December 2009. Helen received the prestigious Nuffield Foundation's Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar Prize for her work studying ultra-cool astronomical objects known as brown dwarfs that can improve our understanding of the properties of extra-solar giant planets. This was supervised by Dr David Pinfield, Dr Ben Burningham and Dr Avril Day-Jones at the University’s Centre for Astrophysics Research.
Recent success
A number of academics within the University, who already contribute to the scheme, find it immensely rewarding and the University is looking for more projects to be made available to local students.
Jemma Goldstein, a recent bursary student who spent her summer at the University focusing on Variable Stars with Dr David Pinfield and Dr Philip Lucas, entered her project into the National Science and Engineering Competition and achieved the prestigious award of Runner-up Young Scientist of the Year.
Further support
For the University to further support this scheme, academics are needed who can provide a student with a project that achieves agreed learning outcomes. The placement can be a standalone project or can form part of a larger project that must be achievable within 4-6 weeks.
Taking part in this scheme not only demonstrates our commitment to STEM education but can also help the University increase our recruitment of top young scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians; a vital part of the University’s strategy.
Find out more
More information about the Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries
Alternatively, if you would like to support the project or find out more, please contact Dr Lindsay Vare or Dr Ian Herrington.
Contact
Dr Lindsay Vare, STEM Outreach Officer, UK Recruitment and Access
T: +44 (0)1707 286 332
Dr Ian Herrington, Projects Co-ordinator WP & GT, Marketing and UK Recruitment
T: +44 (0)1707 286 462