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REPs

Research Experience Placements for undergraduates

Summary

Research Experience Placements (REPs) give undergraduate students the opportunity to work within one of our partner organisations on an environmental science summer research placement. Projects are advertised in the spring. 

The REP scheme is intended to encourage students to consider a career in the environmental sciences through funding to support paid summer placements for undergraduate students. Students will carry out research projects within the environmental sciences and undergraduates from any science discipline will be eligible. Students who successfully complete a REP with Envision, and subsequently apply for an Envision funded PhD, will be guaranteed an interview for that PhD. We particularly welcome applications from three key areas that represent our identified skills, demographic, and diversity-related challenges:

  • Undergraduates who are Black, Chinese, Asian, Arabic, or of another non-white ethnicity
  • Undergraduates who are from low-income backgrounds
  • Undergraduates currently studying in a quantitative/data-based discipline who are interested in applying their skills within the environmental sciences.

Funding

REP placements will be about 6 weeks in duration, with flexibility for part-time working. They will take place over the summer period (dates will be agreed between the supervisor and student following acceptance of a placement offer). Students will be paid at least the UK national minimum wage with a contribution of up to £500 for research costs.

There are no further funds available for relocation costs and students must be resident in the UK during the placement.

Student Eligibility

Students are subject to eligibility criteria. They must be:

  • undertaking (not yet graduated) their first undergraduate degree or integrated Masters. 
  • eligible for subsequent NERC PhD funding (Details of eligibility for PhD studentships can be found here).

Applications

Applications for the 2024 summer REP scheme will open in spring 2024. 

Selection Process

  • Applications are screened for eligibility (the EDI form is not shared with supervisors)
  • Supervisors nominate candidates for confirmation by the Envision panel

Candidates will be selected according to the following criteria:

  • Fit to project
  • Enthusiasm for environmental research
  • Potential interest in research career
  • Fit to identified skills gaps, demographic, and/or diversity-related challenges