Each year, as part of the University’s Summer Research Scholarships programme, the University partners with companies, government agencies, and professional groups to provide 10-week research placements for some of its top performing students, while also helping organisations tackle projects they don’t have the resources to do themselves.
Now in its eleventh year, the programme encourages more students to continue on to postgraduate study by giving them a stimulating and rewarding research experience over summer.
“These are high-achieving students who can bring a fresh perspective and additional resource to organisations,” says Professor Margaret Hyland Vice-Provost (Research).
“It’s a win-win for both parties–businesses benefit from students’ strong research and development skills, while the students get practical problem solving experience in the workplace.”
An additional benefit of the programme, says Professor Hyland, is the work-ready skills students develop when the projects are run in partnership with an outside organisation—“self-directed work, critical thinking and translating research into real-world outcomes”.
The University is offering 300 Summer Research Scholarships this year, many of them in partnership with businesses or agencies. The business and the University each contribute $3,000 towards the scholarship.
Summer Research Scholars bring expertise in a wide range of areas including science and engineering, humanities and social sciences, commerce, architecture, health, education and law, and are well equipped to develop new ideas, solutions, and products for businesses.
All students have an academic supervisor who works with the organisation and the student to ensure maximum benefit is gained from the research project.
Businesses or organisations interested in hosting a student researcher this summer should visit: https://bit.ly/2Zy0UqGto submit an application by Friday 2 August.