Undergraduate Research Opportunity Programme (UROP)

This project is a collaboration between CÚRAM, the Research Centre for Medical Devices, the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (WiSTEM) student society, the College of Science and Engineering and the University of Sanctuary Initiative at NUI Galway. This project aims to support underrepresented, undergraduate (UG) student development by providing 20 paid summer internships in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) laboratories for six weeks.
62% of UG programmes do not provide internships as part of the programme structure. Underrepresented students are particularly disadvantaged if internships are not integrated into their course as placements. While students will seek internships out in labs, these are unpaid, and not a viable option for students who need to earn a living. This project will target underrepresented students, i.e. females, international protection applicants, refugees, vulnerable immigrants, Irish Travellers and students with disabilities. Internships will be hosted by science and engineering research laboratories at NUI Galway, involving early-stage researchers to professor level researchers as hosts. The allocation of internships will ensure that interns get the maximum benefit from the laboratory internship experience. Interns will document and reflect on their experience in blogs and share learnings through poster presentations. Participants will develop practical research skills and receive training in public engagement and communications. Project outputs will highlight STEM research as an exciting potential career for secondary level and UG students. The project will be documented through film to help promote the impact of the internships to potential partners, funders and participants in future years.