A gift from David Sainsbury (KC 1959) and the Gatsby Charitable Foundation is giving King’s undergraduates a unique opportunity to explore whether they want to go on to research work at postgraduate level.
The Gatsby Summer Research Programme for the Sciences offers 10 students annually in the early and middle years of their degree the chance to work with an academic on a focused research project in Cambridge for 6-10 weeks over the summer vacation, and get hands-on experience.
Aimed at inspiring science students to think about going on to a PhD and research work, the fully funded scheme means that those who might normally otherwise need to seek jobs or paid internships over the summer can take part without financial worries. Projects are devised by Fellows, College Research Associates and students, in fields ranging from AI and machine learning to epidemiology, biodiversity, particle physics, engineering and genetics.
Impact of the Programme
Launched in spring 2021, it is proving transformative. Students have gone on to pursue PhDs and apply for graduate and research programmes they would not have considered without the summer placements. For others, taking part in the summer scheme has developed new skills and built confidence in areas not necessarily covered by their degree, making them highly attractive job candidates. And for some, it can help make an informed decision on whether or not research is the right next step.
Dakol Zhubi, a 3rd year Natural Scientist who took part in the programme last summer, said: ‘Being able to partake in this research project was great for me in multiple ways. I had the opportunity to try out techniques which I hadn’t heard about before, expanding my knowledge beyond what is taught in my course.
Practising lab work has given me a lot of confidence, both as a scientist, but also as a student. The experience gave me insights into the work environment and work-life balance of a researcher in biological sciences which I didn’t have previously.
Most importantly, this work has been great motivation for studying Biochemistry. I got to see first-hand why I learn the things I do, and their practical applications for helping other people.’
One of the College’s priorities is ensuring that students are not only offered an outstanding education, but also equipped in as many ways as possible for life beyond undergraduate studies. The Gatsby Summer Research Programme for the Sciences, along with the parallel King’s Summer Research Programme for the Arts and Humanities, has greatly expanded what King’s can do. ‘The Gatsby funding for the summer research programme has made a huge difference. It is enabling students who might not otherwise have had such opportunities to have an incredibly valuable experience,’ said Dr Tim Flack, former Senior Tutor at King’s. ‘It’s a fantastic innovation for the College, and I hope it continues for many years.’
