REPs
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 should express an interest in pursuing an environmental sciences career. Students from any 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 who have a disability
- 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. Note: Students in their final year who have graduated and no longer have student status at the time of the placement start are not eligible.
- eligible for subsequent NERC PhD funding (see the relevant text in the UKRI Terms and Conditions for Training Grants and associated guidance for further information).
Applications
Applications for the 2024 summer REP scheme are now being accepted.
In order to be considered for an Envision REP placement, please complete the following steps;
1. Complete the Envision EDI form; this form is a mandatory part of the application.
2. Once you have completed the Envision EDI form you will receive an email with the application form and details of how to apply to the supervisor of your chosen placement.
3. You will need to ask your personal tutor to provide a reference for you for this placement. Your personal tutor should email this reference to the lead supervisor by the deadline of 27th May. (It is useful if you send the project advert to your personal tutor so that they can read about the project before writing your reference.)
4. Email your completed application form to the placement lead supervisor by the deadline of 27th May.
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