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The Buckingham School

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Nuffield Research Placements

Research Placements and Experience - Experience Practical Research in Action 

STEM Learning and Nuffield Research, in collaboration with The Buckingham School are offering Year 12 students the opportunity to gain key research skills through Nuffield Research Placements, which is fully funded. The students have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards the work of the host organisation, which is a UK university, through a well-supervised but independent placement relating to an area of science, quantitative social science, computing technology, engineering or mathematics (or combination).

Research Placements are two-week collaborations with STEM-related knowledge experts, usually a university Lecturer, on a live research question or area of development in order to produce a scientific research report and a poster.

The placements are offered subject to eligibility criteria.  Students can check their eligibility criteria by following the link:  https://bit.ly/4fXY6dz

The research placement assigned was Machine Learning for Contrail Prediction in Python which involved the use of a logistic regression machine learning model of meteorological data that will be used to predict contrail cirrus from the exhaust of aircraft.  In doing so, the long-term goal of such an algorithm would be to identify flights that cause significant contrail cirrus and change flight paths to mitigate the net warming impacts in aviation. (Esther- ‘Machine Learning for Contrail Prediction in Pyton’-Summer 2024).

How do I apply?

Students that meet the eligibility criteria and study will be encouraged to take part. Applicants with a strong personal statement have a better chance of being selected.

Speak to the Research Placements Co-ordinator if you wish to take part.

Programme Timeline 

The timeline of the programme may vary slightly from year to year.

From September

  • The Regional Nuffield Research and Experience coordinator will deliver first an assembly to Year 12 students to help them decide if they would be interested in taking part.
  • Speak to your form tutor/ a teacher about your interest in a Nuffield Research Placement.
  • Contact your Nuffield Coordinator if you have any queries about the Programme.

November

  • Applications can be made from late November.

October to April

  • Complete your Application.
  • Make sure you have uploaded your parent/guardian consent form, checked and completed all parts of your Application.
  • Check that your teacher has completed their reference through the online system.

May to July

  • Students attend an induction event designed to help them get the most from their Nuffield Research Placement.

July to August

  • Carry out the Nuffield Research Placement.

August to December

  • Students complete a report and show off their work at a celebration event run by their Nuffield Coordinator.

Year 13 student - Measuring Heat Losses In A Smouldering System 

During the Nuffield Research Programme, I had the opportunity to work on a hands-on research project that deepened my understanding of smouldering technology and heat transfer mechanisms.  I collaborated closely on a research team with PhD students, Fatemeh Khopardastan, and two university students doing their summer placements, Enzo and Shraddah.

My role was to investigate heat losses within a smouldering system and explore how changing conditions affected heat transfer. To complete my project, I conducted extensive research on smouldering technology and its application in waste management, gaining an understanding of heat transfer mechanisms such as convection, combustion, and radiation. 

 

One of the highlights was getting hands-on experience in the lab and using equipment I wouldn't be able to use if it weren't for this experience. It was thrilling to apply what I’d learnt in the classroom to real-world research, and seeing the results of our work was incredibly rewarding. 

If you would like to find out more about the programme and decide whether you are eligible to participate, please get in touch. Your Research placements and Experience Coordinator at Buckingham School is Ramona Rusu: rrusu@buckinghamschool.org 

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