Summer Research Bursaries
The purpose of the award is to give experience of research to undergraduate students to explore the potential of becoming a researcher
Nature of Bursaries
The purpose of these bursaries is to give experience of research to undergraduate students to explore the potential of becoming a researcher and to encourage them to consider a career in rheology.
Each bursary is for up to £3500, including at most £500 for consumables if required. This will fund 6-8 weeks full time work at most Universities. Applications from students wishing to work part–time will also be considered.
The awards will be transferred to the successful applicant’s institution; it is the responsibility of the applicant to inform their respective administrative departments of the award. We recommend you discuss costings with your supervisor and institution prior to applying; a short breakdown of costs is required in the application form (see below).
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 1st March, 2024.
Eligibility
Students may only take up the bursary during the summer vacation between the intermediate years i.e. students must have completed their second year of their undergraduate degree. Students in the final year of their degree intending to undertake a taught Master’s degree immediately following their undergraduate degree may apply. Applications from first-year undergraduate students will not be considered.
Researchers in rheology at universities and research laboratories in industry within the UK are eligible to apply. A supervisor may support no more than one student application. Priority will be given to projects supervised by postdoctoral researchers or early career academic staff. Students will normally be expected to be on track for a first-class or upper second-class degree in order to be considered. Students must be registered at a UK institution for the majority of their undergraduate degree.
Supervisors and students do not necessarily have to be based at the same institution, however we expect that they will work together at the same institution for the duration of the project and have regular meaningful personal contact (an average of 1 hour per week meeting in person is the minimum expected). Bursaries will only be granted for the student named on the application form; awards are not transferable between students.
How to apply
The application form below should be completed by the student and supervisor and submitted by the above deadline. A bonus payment of £100 will be made on receipt of a report (word format) suitable for publication in the Bulletin of the Society.
Please provide a summary of the research you will undertake, suitable for a non-expert audience. In your answer, which may be written with the assistance of your nominated supervisor, you must provide a synopsis of the research problem, its context and significance, and its potential impact. You may mention how the work will fill existing gaps in the literature (Max 1500 characters).
In explaining why you are suitable recipient for this undergraduate research opportunity, please explain what motivates you to undertake this placement, how your previous experience is relevant, and how it will help you in your future studies and career aspirations. You may include details of your current marks and estimated final grade, any relevant scientific interests, courses you have taken or are planning to take, and what inspired you to undertake research as an undergraduate (Max 1500 characters).
Finally, please provide a summary of the supervision and support you will receive from the host institution, including a timeline for the project and a short breakdown of costs with a justification for any consumables requested. You must receive, at minimum, a living wage for the duration of the project, which may vary with location and your institution’s policy (e.g., £8.60 per hour, 35 hours per week, 8 weeks total + £500 consumables = £2908 total). You must discuss and agree this with your intended supervisor. Please state clearly the intended project dates, and any further opportunities for training and dissemination of your results. (Max 1500 characters).