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Nuffield Research Placements

FAQ

Some of the most frequently asked questions about the NIMR Nuffield Research Placements

What's a Nuffield Science Bursary?

Each year Nuffield Research Placements (formerly Nuffield Science Bursaries) provide year 12 students with the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists, technologies, engineers and mathematicians.

Will the placement be funded?

All students are able to apply to have their travel expenses reimbursed, and, in addition, bursaries of £80 per week are available for students who meet the criteria for a full bursary.

What are the bursary criteria?

If any of the below are applicable to you, we would encourage you to apply for a full bursary:

In receipt of, or entitled to, discretionary payments at school/college
From a home with a combined income below £40,000 per year
Are in receipt of, or entitled to, free school meals, or have been in the last six years
Living, or have lived, in local authority care

Who should apply?

Anyone who wants to get the feel for scientific research and is studying an Advanced or Higher science course (this includes vocational as well as academic courses).

Who will I work with?

Usually with a PhD student or a postdoctoral scientist who will guide you, and will be keen to see the outcome of your research.

What projects are on offer?

Details of specific projects are not yet available. Most projects use molecular biology to study infectious disease, developmental biology, or physiology and include many different techniques. We are able to provide one or two projects that involve mathematics, chemistry or physics. If this is your preference, please mention this in your application. We will let you know what projects are on offer before the interviews.

What's the minimum amount of time I can work for?

You must be able to work for four consecutive weeks but can work as long as six, although this may conflict with family holidays for some.

What will I do?

You'll carry out a lab-based project under supervision, using techniques that you'll be taught. You'll design and undertake experiments, and submit a written report to the Nuffield Foundation before the end of your stay. You'll also produce a scientific poster, with our help.

What happens after I hand in my report?

Provided you complete your report and poster, you'll be awarded a Gold or Platinum CREST Award (CReativity in Science and Technology) from the British Science Association. Your poster will also be part of an exhibition at Imperial College during the autumn half term.

What's the closing date?

The closing date for places on the NIMR Summer School for research in 2013 is 26 April 2013.

Are there places for everyone who applies?

Sadly we are unable to accommodate all students who apply as the number of applications we receive each year exceeds the number of projects available.

How do you select students?

After you apply we will let you know what projects we can offer. We then interview a proportion of the applicants (briefly and informally). Selection of students is based on a number of factors, including academic qualifications, your application itself and students suitability to individual projects. We also try to offer places to students from as many schools as possible.