Talented students from Victoria University of Wellington will be swapping their sunhats for thinking hats this summer while they brainstorm, problem solve and offer creative solutions to a host of businesses and organisations as part of the University’s Summer Research Scholarships Programme.
Each year, Victoria partners with companies, government agencies and professional groups to provide 10-week research placements for some of its top performing students, while also helping organisations tackle projects they don’t have the resources to do themselves.
Now in its ninth year, the programme encourages more students to continue on into postgraduate study, by giving them a stimulating and rewarding summer research experience.
“These are high-achieving students who can bring a fresh perspective and additional resource to organisations,” says Professor Kate McGrath, Vice-Provost (Research) in a media release.
“It’s a win-win for both parties – businesses benefit from students’ strong research and development skills, while a Victoria student gets practical problem solving experience in the workplace.”
An additional benefit of the programme, says Professor McGrath, is that it establishes research relationships between Victoria University and external partners that can grow into long term collaborative partnerships.
Victoria is offering 300 summer scholarships this year and many of them are available for partnerships with businesses or agencies wanting to get involved in the scheme. Every placement is supported by a Victoria University Summer Research scholarship, enabling the business and the University to contribute $3,000 each towards the programme.
Summer scholars bring expertise in a wide range of areas including science and engineering, humanities, and social sciences, commerce, architecture, education and law, and are well equipped to develop new ideas, solutions and products for businesses.
All students have an academic supervisor who works with the organisation and the student to ensure maximum benefit is gained from the research project.
Businesses or organisations interested in hosting a student researcher this summer should visit: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/research/collaborate/opportunities to submit an application by 17 August.
