The Nuffield Research Placements (NRP) scheme is a national scheme which provides interested sixth formers with the opportunity to work alongside STEM professionals or quantitative social scientists. Students carry out 4-week research placements, gaining skills, experience and much-valued insight into research as a career. All our students come from Widening Participation backgrounds.

• The Nuffield Research Placements scheme is a well-established, nationwide outreach and widening participation activity.
• Nuffield students go through a competitive application process and are enthusiastic and academically able.
• Nuffield students can do useful work and contribute positively to research.
• Hosting a Nuffield student gives Early Career Researchers experience of supervision, project management and mentoring.
• Getting involved is an opportunity to forge links with local schools and colleges and raise awareness of the research.
• Nuffield Research Placements are supported by the University and a dedicated Regional Coordinator.

“This programme helped me to develop my supervisory skills and allowed me additional time to explore areas of my research which would have taken longer if not for the assistance from the students. It gave me a chance to discuss the career path of the students and how they might get involved in STEM in the future.” Project Provider 2018

Placements take place in July or August. As part of the placement students carry out a project for the 4 weeks that they are with the researcher, which can be lab, field or office-based. The project gives the students a taste of genuine research, including the opportunity to collect or analyse data and write a report.

Each year there are more student applicants than placements available so we are really keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in getting involved. Supporting the Nuffield placement scheme also supports the University’s Access and Participation Plan (APP) with the Office for Students which sets out how we aim to improve equality of opportunity in higher education across all areas of the student lifecycle. Our current APP includes a specific target to reduce the gap in participation at the University between students from the most advantaged and disadvantaged postcodes (based on participation in higher education, using POLAR4 data). By offering students from WP backgrounds an opportunity to experience student life first hand on our campus through a Nuffield placement could increase their confidence to apply to The University of Manchester or allow them to evidence vital academic skills as part of their application.

Staff interested in offering a project for summer 2020 should contact Roz Webster by Friday 28 February.

Further information visit the Nuffield Foundation website.