Curriculum Programme

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Taking students behind the scenes in science, technology, engineering and maths
Mon, 26 January 2009

The Nuffield Foundation.

Applications are now open for 2009 Nuffield Science Bursaries! To apply, you need to contact your local Nuffield Coordinator for an application pack and details of the scheme in your area.

The scheme offers first year post-16 science students throughout the UK a chance to work alongside practicising scientists in science, technology, engineering and maths based projects. Unlike work experience schemes, students carry out a project of their own that will make a contribution to the work of the host organisation. Projects last between 4 to 6 weeks and students complete them during their summer holiday in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Susan Sun from the Oxford High School took part in a 6-week bursary placement at the Culham Science Centre last Summer. Her project was titled ‘Plasma Transport - Fast Particles in Turbulent Fields’ and on her placement she developed methods of analysing and presenting data from MCUEBIT computer simulations of fast particles in the turbulent electromagnetic fields of a tokamak (a magnetic bottle that confines the very hot charged particles that make up a fusion plasma, where the nuclear fusion reaction occurs).

Of her placement Susan says:

I had a chance to talk to research scientists and to get a first-hand taste of what research is like. It has definitely encouraged me to pursue a career in this field.

We are still looking for students to take part in placements this summer, so if you or your students might be interested in applying for a bursary, please visit our website – www.nuffieldfoundation.org/scb - to find the contact details for your local Nuffield Coordinator.

For stories on how Nuffield Bursaries have changed some students lives, click here.