How can academics get involved in student research?

There are several opportunities to get involved in supervision and mentoring.

Be approachable

Student researchers need a supervisor in order to participate in the Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS) and so offer to support students who would like to apply.

Consider offering to organise a departmental matching service. Warwick Law School operated for some years a matching service where students could access a list of staff willing to supervise student research (and details of their areas of interest). During its time of operation, the matching service raised applications for URSS funding from 2 per year to over 13 per year.

A sign on your room door or in your email signature that you support student researchers can help encourage students to approach you. There is an example to download here: editable I am a Supporter of UG Research banner

Embed student research within the curriculum

The library's 'Student as Researcher' programme offers staff help to develop innovative ideas to engage students in research.

IATL also offers project funding to support innovative teaching projects, which can include making changes to modules to incorporate a research component. See examples of past IATL projects that might inspire others.

Find further case studies, detailed guidance on embedding research into the curriculum and assessment, and further sources of support.

Public engagement and student research

This resource from the Warwick Institute of Engagement provides support for staff to involve students in public engagement.

Learn from others

Find out what staff supervisors said about their experiences of supervision. The Student Research Staff Network also connects staff to opportunities to engage in supervision of student research and staff willing to partner for interdisciplinary student research collaborations. Email to join the Network and be kept up to date with supervision and mentoring opportunities (email j.m.bryan@warwick.ac.uk to be added to the contact list).

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