Who is eligible?
For the Research Programmes you need to be a current King's College undergraduate student in the early or middle years of your undergraduate study, i.e. not the final year of your study. You can be from any academic department and the project does not have to be in your discipline. Preference will be given to students in their 2nd year of a 3 year degree or the 3rd year of a 4 year degree.
What kind of work will I have to do?
The project should be well represented by the project description put together by the supervisor(s), but we encourage you to contact the academic supervising the project to find out more.
Where should the project take place?
All students are expected to be in Cambridge for the duration of their project, excluding any breaks they have agreed on with their supervisor, even if the project could be completed remotely.
When should the project take place?
Projects should either start on 30 June, 7 July or 14 July 2025 and run for at least 6 weeks and a maximum of 10 weeks. There can be a break, during which you can leave Cambridge and return home for example, but this should not be longer than 2 weeks, either consecutive or in total. You need to agree this with your supervisor in advance. You should not work on your project during a break and you won't be paid your stipend during this time.
What does the Summer Research Programme award cover?
A Summer Research Programme award of up to £3,600 will be made to cover subsistence and accommodation in College (at the subsidised 'long contract' rate) for a 6-10 week period during the summer vacation, based on a weekly allowance of £360 for up to 10 weeks.
Accommodation in College will be arranged once the award is confirmed.
When will I be paid?
You will receive payments on a weekly basis.
Can I apply for multiple projects?
Yes, you can.
Can I apply again, if I have been unsuccessful to get a place last year?
Yes, you would be welcome to apply for a place again.
Can I suggest my own ideas for projects?
Yes – students can propose a programme of research to be supervised by a King’s Fellow, College Research Associate or University Faculty member. We encourage students to reach out to potential supervisors to discuss their ideas. You will be asked to complete an application form and your proposed supervisor will be asked to write in support of your application.
Will I have to pay tax?
No. A Summer Research project is not employment, it is an educational opportunity to work with an academic on specific research.
Can I apply if I am an international student?
Any King's student may apply to do a project but you must, however, be based in Cambridge for the duration of the project - even if the project can be done remotely.
Can I take a break away from Cambridge during the project?
Yes, if your supervisor is happy with this, you can take a break during the project. You will not be paid during the break. The break can't be longer than 2 weeks in total.
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 and introduce you to other students undertaking similar projects over the summer. A number of workshops and events will take place throughout the summer to help you gain additional skills and to foster interaction with others on the research programme. Attendance at some of these workshops will be mandatory. More information will be provided when placements have been confirmed.
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 we will hold an Undergraduate Research Showcase in College where you will share your findings either as a short talk or in the form of a poster presentation. Lord Sainsbury and representatives from the Gatsby Foundation will be invited to attend.
