STEM Research Work Placements SATRO organise research placements for students aged 16+ to undertake a genuine STEM based research project, working within an employer or academic research environment. The placements in 2019 took place for four weeks during the Summer, enabling students to work alongside qualified professionals and experts. The success of this programme and high quality of resultant projects, serves to inspire and support students to continue with their academic achievements and career aspirations. This year’s Research Placement Programme was particularly successful with 39 gifted and innovative students applying for the placements (41% female). Our placement providers selected many ‘active’ projects including:- environmental/highways engineering, engineering bias for the Oil and Gas industries, Cardiovascular Medicine / Pathology, Geographic Information Systems, Flexible and printed electronics – nanotechnology and electronic circuits. Aimed at providing equal opportunities for all those that applied by encouraging an openness to social mobility and gender equality, the level of academic attainment for both genders was extremely high. Following interview and assessment 11 first year A level students were allocated a research project. Each had a real passion to own their projects and to develop their own case study reports. The programme focusses on the importance of improving each student’s capacity and work-efficiency, as well as providing motivation for further development. The programme specifically supports less advantaged students to thrive and grow through a selective process and the professional work environment. We work each year to improve the preparation we do with students and research placement providers to ‘level the playing field’ at interview for all, and we provide bursary support to those that need it.
“Over the last six or seven years I have hosted close to 30 summer placement students. Summer is usually not a busy period at University and it’s a great opportunity to try out incipient ideas which otherwise would be postponed indefinitely. Placements are the ideal self-contained vehicle for this type of trials, some of which are highly successful and go on to be published in academic journals. Some advance scheduling of holidays is required, but it’s very much worth the effort, considering that in the process, talented young researchers get to experience a real-world research environment. It is a very effective way to do exploratory research while training and enthusing the next generation. The students’ optimism, energy and enthusiasm is refreshing and contributes to the playful atmosphere that is characteristic to my team.”
Dr Radu Sporea, University of Surrey (Work Placement Provider)
“Overall, my work experience at WSP was insightful for me as I was able to learn about the professional life of engineering consultants. Moreover, I got to work on an interesting and meaningful research project which showed me how valuable STEM is to society and the world.”
STEM Work Placement Student 2019
WORK PLACEMENTS:
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BURSARIES:
“The past four weeks have been incredibly useful, helping me make my choices for higher education, and boosting my confidence. I would 100% recommend a SATRO placement for anybody interested in a science related degree!”
– STEM Work Placement Student 2019
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