Applications for the Research Placement Programme for S5 pupils are now open. Formerly the Nuffield Research Placement Programme, S5 pupils get the opportunity to spend 2 or 3 weeks in a university or industry over the summer, completing a research project. This programme is aimed at disadvantaged pupils or those who will be first in their family to go to university. Placements can be in any of the STEM related subjects, including social sciences, computing, data science and geography/environmental so please make sure all departments are aware of the opportunity. Pupils can start their application now and will be able to apply directly for placements from mid-March onwards.

For more information, teachers and pupils can view the recording of an information session at Research Placement Student session (2) January 2025

Eligibility: Students must be:

• Over 16 years old and in S5
• Have at least 5 x National 5s at Level B or above, including maths, a science subject and English (or another humanities subject).
• Studying one or more Highers in science, technology, engineering, economics, geography, psychology, computing, statistics or maths.
• Available for 2 consecutive weeks over July and/or August

Students must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Be living, or have lived, in local authority care, or be a carer
• Come from a family with a combined household income of below £40,000 a year (pre-tax)
• Be entitled to free school meals, either now or at any time in the last six years
• In receipt of, or entitled to, discretionary payments at school/college (e.g., EMA)
• Be the first in their immediate family to participate in higher education (not including any older siblings).

Pupils can begin their applications by clicking “apply now” at https://www.stem.org.uk/research-placements/students

If you have any questions, please contact aileen.hamilton@sserc.scot

In2STEM Initiative

In addition, the In2STEM programme is a free initiative designed to support students aged 16–19 (S5/S6) who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM. The programme will take place between July and August 2025 and includes:

• In-person work placements tailored to participants’ areas of interest.
• Online workshops focused on employability, skills development, and career exploration.

Visit the In2STEM website for further details and to apply: In2STEM – In2scienceUK