More students can experience science first hand
More students are being offered the opportunity to experience scientific research first hand through the Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme. In the past 2 years the number of bursaries available has doubled with 30 Year 12 science students working in labs all over the county this summer. This number looks likely to rise to 40 for 2008.
The Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme, co-ordinated by The Oxford Trust, finds placements in research organisations for Year 12 science students during 4-6 weeks in their summer holidays. Organisations taking part include many of the departments at Oxford University and Oxford Brookes University, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and the Medical Research Council. This year sees several new organisations taking part such as UKAEA Fusion in Culham, the Weatherall Institute for Molecular Medicine, the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Oxford, and the companies Alberon and Didcot Power Station.
This is the second year Green Biologics, a biotech company based at Milton Park, have taken a student. Renia Gemmell, Research Scientist, says 'After last year's success we have taken on yet another Year 12 student from a local school. Tom has proved himself to be a diligent worker with an intelligent and mature approach to science, providing some important input to the company's research.'
The increase in bursaries has also enabled more schools to be involved in the scheme with Fitzharrys School, Henry Box School and Faringdon Community College joining Cherwell School, Oxford High School, Magdalen College School and St Helen and St Katherine's School in recognising the benefits to their students.
James Hayward from the Henley College, currently working at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, comments 'this scheme is a great opportunity to experience physics in the real world. I've learnt so much about an area of physics I had never heard of before. It's great fun as well as looking good on my CV.'
'I'm so pleased extra funding has enabled the Nuffield Foundation to expand the Schools Bursary Scheme. The experience is such a worthwhile and important one for the students, I hope we can offer even more placements next year.' said Claire Dimond, the Nuffield Regional Co-ordinator.
If you would like to host a student as part of the Nuffield Bursary Scheme next year or are a student who would like to take part please visit www.oxtrust.org.uk/nuffield or contact Claire Dimond on 01865 728953 or claire.dimond@oxtrust.org.uk.
The Science Matters page is compiled by Science Oxford, Oxford's cultural centre for science communication based in St Clements.