URSS Stories

My project was 'The Molecular Basis of Selectivity and Activity of the Antimicrobial Peptide Lubelisin' which is a really fancy way of saying how does Lubelisin, a tiny peptide chain, act upon membranes. I chose this project because I was drawn to the idea of working on a biochemistry project; I’ve always loved that area of interdisciplinary research. Ever since learning about the dangers of increasing antibiotic resistance (the idea that something as small as a paper cut could become deadly someday, though that’s a while off, don’t worry), I’ve been motivated to contribute to research aimed at changing that trajectory. What’s exciting is that my project has real potential to be applied medically, which tied in perfectly with my medchem degree and my interest in drug discovery.

Feeling completely lost? Want to gain all the skills and experience but have no idea where to start? Here’s something you could do: head to the library, find the chemistry section, and grab a book, any book. Flip it open to a random page and start reading. Not feeling it? Turn to another page. Still not into it? Try another book. Keep going until something clicks.

Or, hit the department’s website and check out the research the professors are already doing. Read a few papers and dig into the surrounding literature. If nothing grabs your attention, move on to another topic. But if you find something you like, or even a few things, email those professors. Tell them you’re interested and ask if they offer URSS projects. If it doesn't bear fruit, try again. Proactivity. Proactivity. Proactivity.

Most importantly, don’t skip the roadshows and URSS showcases. They’re full of students and supervisors who’ve been through it all, talk to them! You’ll pick up ideas, project or maybe even your supervisor!

You’ve heard all the usual benefits: looks great on the CV, builds skills, gets you experience, blah blah blah. But for me, it was also about making the most of my summer. I didn’t want to waste the break and let everything I’d learned the year before slip away. I wanted to keep my brain ticking, stay sharp, and be ready to hit the ground running when the next year started.

There are plenty of reasons to apply: building skills, gaining experience, and, of course, adding something shiny to your CV. But one benefit I didn’t expect was how much it helped with my academic studies. Getting hands-on experience made all that dry, boring theory finally click into place. Our brains thrive on connections, and honestly, just hearing some random theory in lectures never sticks for me, it’s in one ear and out the other. But seeing it in action? Designing something yourself, you have to know how the moving parts work, and that's where you gain some true understanding.

I’ve got some solid research experience to talk about in grad interviews. It shows I’m not just a bookworm and that I’ve actually done hands-on chemistry work. Plus, I’ve dipped into biochemistry too, and while it’s a tiny area of research, I’ve got some real expertise there to back it up.

Think beyond just the science; think about the impact. What could this project do for you, and how could you transform it into something bigger, like outreach or engagement? Use it as more than a research opportunity; make it a platform to share knowledge and inspire others.

For example, could you collaborate with your department to run workshops for students who want to explore similar topics? Maybe even use social media to break down complex ideas into accessible, bite-sized posts. Think outside the box, be innovative.

The key is to plan to squeeze every last drop of value from the experience, then write all of that into your application.

My project focused on identifying the CDRs (complementary-determining regions) of specific snake species, mainly Bothrops atrox, which could be used to develop a synthetic antivenom. It involved a lot of literature reviews and carefully selecting key information. I chose this topic because it combines my interest in biology (especially immunology) ,with the science behind my MChem with Medicinal Chemistry degree. This project has also given me a head start on some of the concepts taught in year 2. Knowing that this research could impact thousands of people worldwide (around 140,000 die from snakebites each year) made it even more motivating and rewarding to work on.

I first heard about URSS during a Beyond Science presentation. The idea sounded really interesting, but I wasn’t completely sure about it. So, I went to the showcase to see what it was all about; enjoyed the refreshments, chatted with people there, and got a better idea of the program. When I got home, I checked out the Warwick page to look at the academics and their research areas.

I found an academic doing research in a field I’m really interested in and decided to send them an email. Unfortunately, they already had a student for the project and suggested I get in touch next year. Not long after, after an assessed lab discussion, I asked the academic about their research. What they were working on sounded really fascinating, and they encouraged me to drop them an email about potentially doing a URSS project together. I did, and that’s how it all came together.

The key takeaway? Don’t give up! Reach out, email, and ask questions, most of the times it’s just about trying again!

Personally, I wanted to make the most out of my uni experience and take advantage of all the opportunities that are offered by the Chemistry department. I always wanted to try out research and this was the perfect opportunity to get a real taster session. The summer break is very long and this is perfect to get experience and it's also very fun.

The experience is amazing, but there’s so much more to it! You meet new people, become part of a great team, work with experienced scientists and PhD students, learn new skills, and grow your scientific knowledge. The highlight of it was being in a research lab and working with the team, asking quick questions when unsure about something and always getting the help you need.

This experience has given me so many answers and made me realize that I want to pursue a career in research. It’s also got me seriously thinking about doing a PhD in the future. On top of that, it’s improved my lab skills and boosted my confidence in the lab. It’s even helped me stay more focused on my lectures and the content I’m learning—I want to really understand the science now, not just study it to pass exams. Chemistry has become something I genuinely see myself doing in the future, not just a "let’s see how it goes" kind of thing anymore.

Find something you're genuinely passionate about, it’ll make the project so much more enjoyable and won’t feel like just another uni task to tick off for your CV. Take the time to fully understand from the start what a URSS project involves and what’s expected of you. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there; send emails, knock on professors’ doors, and even reach out to past URSS students who might have valuable advice. Most importantly, don’t give up! If it doesn’t work out this year, there’s always next year to try again.