SRP 2026 - Information for Supervisors
For Fellows, Bye-Fellows and CRAs, involvement with the Summer Research Programmes could, for example, enable you to run a pilot project for a research grant application, enhance the knowledge of your Department, or support a discrete section of an existing project for which you are Principal Investigator. This project could also develop students who may wish to continue to research degrees under your supervision.
The first phase of the scheme gives King’s Fellows and CRAs the chance to submit a project for a student to carry out a particular piece of research. A good project should:
· provide a high-impact learning opportunity for the student in developing research skills and awareness, preferably providing an authentic experience of a range of steps in the research process
· make a valuable contribution to the research of the supervisor and to University research in general
· allow the student to learn more about an academic career while gaining skills that are useful for any career path.
Students will then be able to apply for the project and you will be consulted about each applicant’s suitability for the project before any decisions are made. It is anticipated that these decisions will have been made by the end of March.
When applications for supervisor-led projects open, students can also propose a programme of research of their own devising to be supervised by a King’s Fellow, College Research Associate or University Faculty member. We encourage supervisors to reach out to students who they think might be particularly interested in or would benefit from such summer projects.
To create a more cohesive feel to the summer research programme, we are asking that all projects start on 29 June , 6 July or 13 July 2026 and that there are no breaks longer than 2 weeks in the middle of projects.
We are planning some personal and professional development sessions to run once every other week in the morning during the summer for all students on the Summer Research Programme. Please do make sure that your project won't be affected detrimentally if the student is attending these sessions roughly every other week.
Submit a Project
King’s has two summer research programmes, the Gatsby Summer Research Programme for the Sciences and the King’s Summer Research Programme for the Arts and Humanities
The Gatsby Summer Research Programme for the Sciences, launched in spring 2021, offers disadvantaged King’s undergraduates in the early and middle years of their degree (i.e. not final year students) the opportunity to work with a King’s Fellow, College Research Associate or University academic on a focused research project for a 6-10 week period over the summer vacation. The aim is to give students hands-on research experience and enthuse and encourage them to consider going on to a doctorate and potentially an academic or research-led career in the sciences.
The programme will fund 10 students annually for a period of 10 years. Participating students are offered subsidised accommodation in College and receive an award to cover subsistence for up to 10 weeks.
The parallel King’s Summer Research Programme for the Arts and Humanities is funded by the College and open to all undergraduate students in the early and middle years of their degree. It may also support students not eligible for the Gatsby internship who apply successfully for a science-based project.
How can Fellows be involved?
Fellows, Bye-Fellows and College Research Associates can submit a project for a student to carry out a particular piece of research. A good project should:
- provide a high-impact learning opportunity for the student in developing research skills and awareness, preferably providing an authentic experience of a range of steps in the research process
- make a valuable contribution to the research of the supervisor and to University research in general
- allow the student to learn more about an academic career while gaining skills that are useful for any career path.
What do I need to do if I am interested in submitting a project?
If you have a suggestion for a project you can submit your proposal by completing the online form below. The deadline for submissions for supervisor projects is 09:00am on Monday 26th January 2026.
FAQ
Can I submit more than one project?
You are welcome to submit more than one project, but please be mindful of the level of commitment that running multiple projects could entail. Projects should be beneficial to supervisors too, and not represent a burden over the summer months!
Can I submit a project for more than one student?
When completing the online form you will be asked whether your project would be suitable for only one student or for multiple students. The number of students that can be funded for a particular project will depend on the total number of projects and the number of students applying. All submitted projects should be able to operate with one student only, even if multiple participants would be advantageous. Projects with multiple students should not exceed 8 weeks.
Can students suggest their own ideas for projects?
Yes – in the ‘responsive’ mode, students can propose a programme of research to be supervised by a King’s Fellow, College Research Associate or University Faculty member. This applies to both the Gatsby and King’s Summer Research Programmes. We encourage supervisors to reach out to students who they think might be particularly interested in or would benefit from such summer projects.
Academic members of staff supervising a student-led project will be asked to write in support of an individual student’s application.
Where should the projects take place?
Students will be expected to remain in Cambridge for the duration of their project, even if the project can be carried out remotely. Projects which require the student to be away from Cambridge for more than a week will not normally be considered.
When should the projects take place?
Projects should start on 29 June, 6 July or 13 July 2026 and run for at least 6 weeks and a maximum of 10 weeks. There can be a break, during which the student can leave Cambridge and return home for example, but this should not be longer than 2 weeks. Students should not work on their projects during their break and they won't receive their stipend during this time.
What if I am away from Cambridge for longer than 2 weeks during the summer?
As long as you can make arrangements for the student to be supported during your absence, you don't need to be around for the whole time the project runs.
When will I know if my proposal has been accepted, and students confirmed?
Students will be encouraged to contact the supervisor to find out more before they apply formally. Once the application deadline for students has passed, supervisors can then indicate which students would be suitable for their project. A small committee will consider all the applications together, with all the information to hand, and the students (and corresponding supervisors) will be notified. This stage of the process will usually be completed by the middle of April.
Is there anything to help students prepare for the projects?
A welcome event will be held after the end of Easter Term to launch the programme. A number of workshops and events will take place throughout the summer to help the students gain additional skills and to foster interaction with others on the research programme.
What happens after the projects finish?
Participating students will be expected to write a short report about their work once it has been completed.
In October an Undergraduate Research Showcase will be held in College, where the students will share their research in the form of a short talk or poster presentation. We encourage supervisors to attend, and Lord Sainsbury and representatives from the Gatsby Foundation will also be invited.