Nuffield Research Placements give young people from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to gain STEM skills and confidence by undertaking active research projects in their summer holidays. The Nuffield Foundation developed this flagship programme over the last 24 years, and an independent evaluation has shown a range of benefits for students including improved access to university courses in STEM subjects.
We are delighted to announce that, in a further development of the programme, STEM Learning is managing and operating Nuffield Research Placements with effect from 1 October 2020, supported by continued funding from the Nuffield Foundation. This fits with STEM Learning’s vision to achieve a world-leading STEM education for all young people in the UK.
Nuffield Research Placements will continue to operate in a similar way across the UK, in partnership with a network of regional coordinators and project hosts. The eligibility criteria and overall experience will not change, ensuring that students receive the same benefits from the programme, including:
- Developing subject understanding alongside research and quantitative skills to expand their career prospects.
- Enhancing their UCAS personal statements and applications to university.
- Learning more about higher education and different career paths.
- The opportunity to apply for a Gold CREST Award or the Big Bang Competition.
We remain committed to supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those eligible for free school meals and those who are first in their family to apply to university, to have empowering, life-changing experiences working in research. We are looking forward to working with the Nuffield Foundation and have every confidence the programme will go from strength to strength.
Applications for Nuffield Research Placements in 2021 will open in early November - more information to follow soon.