Research Placements Programmes

Applications open for Summer 2026!

Research Placements are engaging, real-life workplace experiences, where talented S5 learners are placed at the heart of a UK host organisation. They are a fantastic opportunity for learners to apply skills and knowledge learned at school while providing a meaningful contribution to the work of researchers and industry professionals.

With the investment of our industry partner, Ocean Winds, we are introducing the new Learner Research Placement Programme for 2026, offering even more opportunitues for young people. This allows Reseach Placement programmes to grow and develop the mission to advance educational opportunity and social wellbeing.

Aimed at S5 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, Research Placements provide a 2-week collaboration over the summer with a STEM-related knowledge expert on a live research question or area of development. Learners have the opportunity to participate in online training and induction sessions to prepare them for their placement, have the support of their mentor during the placement and produce a scientific / technical report and poster post placement to document the outcomes of their project.

Participants can also work towards a STEM 7 Leader Award, part of the Young STEM Leader Programme, whilst undertaking their placement.

  • Applications for Research Placements are open December to March each year
  • Placements take place over 2 weeks in July and August.
  • Culminates with a Celebration Event in September where learners showcase their posters and receive their Research Placement Award.

Eligibility

Learners must have 5 National 5s at Grade B, studying at least one STEM Higher and must meet at least one of the elgibility criteria:

  • Family’s combined income less than £40,000 per year
  • Entitled to free school meals
  • Live, or have lived, in local authority care
  • In receipt of, or entitled to, discretionary payments at school/college
  • First in Family to go to University
  • Ethnic Minority background
  • School is classed as Urban Rural Classification (URL) 3-6, rural and remote

 

Apply for Learner Research Placement

Research Placement & Experiences Programme

In addition to the Learner Research Placement Programme, the Research Placement & Experiences Programme (formerly Nuffield Research Placements) is available to learners, and is part of a collection of high impact, direct to student programmes that together form Destination STEM. Destination STEM provides support, advice, and opportunities to help young people explore pathways into STEM careers, develop their STEM skills, and connect with STEM employers.

Both programmes offer similar experiences for learners, but note that Research Placement & Experiences Programme elgibility is for those from disadvantaged backgrounds or first in the family to go to university only.

 

 

 

Apply for Research Placement & Experiences Programme here

For organisations who are interested in hosting a placement, please contact researchplacements@sserc.scot  

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