Length of project/engagement: 20 weeks (recurring yearly since 2014)
Why this approach:
We introduced this role to enable final-year students, as Research Assistants, to work across the department alongside academic and professional services staff.
It benefits both students and staff - including early career researchers - by contributing to research projects that have led to successful grant applications and published outputs, including students being credited as co-authors.
It has facilitated public engagement and outreach activities and has contributed to research impact. It stands as a genuine example of partnership, collaboration, and co-creation.
Academic and professional services staff to submit projects they would like student research assistants to work on (including skills required from the student)
Staff panel to go through recruitment process (see working with student tab for details)
Students supported by:
Individual staff project lead(s)
Director of Student Experience and Progression (DSEP)
Other members of the Student Experience Team
Students:
Final year students recruited through advertisement and signposting of the scheme especially at the start of the academic year. Projects include a wide range of research, teaching and student experience projects (e.g. working alongside the Director of Student Experience and Progression / PAIS Undergraduate Dissertation Conference).
To build links between student experience, teaching and research
Create a student research culture
Support students to develop skills and gain insight into the inner workings of an academic department
Embed student research within the core operation of the department’s education function
Key Outcomes
Recruited over 130 student researchers, from a diverse range of background
The scheme supports both students and academic colleagues, including early career researchers, in their research endeavours
Successfully obtained research grants and outputs/publications, with students working as partners on research projects, including being credited as co-authors
Helped academic colleagues with their career progression
Scheme highlighted in the 2021 REF submission
Facilitated public engagement and outreach activities (including in schools)
Advertisement: Scheme promoted to finalists at the start of the academic year, but also signposted to students beforehand, including on open days so students are fully aware of it.
Recruitment: Competitive process (previously had 40 applications for 16 posts)
Application- including CV and Cover letter
Video submission or interview
Further appointments
Feedback offered to unsuccessful candidates
A recruitment panel matches successful student applicants to staff and projects available.
