A pilot research internships scheme set up by the Academy in the past year has offered eight undergraduate students the opportunity to work with top-flight engineering researchers on some of the most challenging problems facing society.
The eight internships start this month and will run through to the end of this summer. The interns will be working with research teams based in Imperial College London, University of Bristol, University of Exeter, Strathclyde University, University of Southampton, University of Sussex, and University College London.
The pilot programme was set up to help increase the transition of diverse students into employment whilst also providing meaningful exposure to the engineering research world. The university researchers who have signed up to the programme will also benefit from the practical opportunities to develop inclusive leadership skills and access to research support and insight from a new generation of engineering talent.
Professor Stephen McLaughlin FREng FRSE, Chair of the Research Internships Scheme, said: “I am pleased that the Academy has initiated this scheme to offer the opportunity for undergraduates from diverse backgrounds to work in research labs. I am sure the scheme will result in a more diverse engineering community for the benefit of society.”
Internship projects 2023
Dr Christina Guindy, the Academy’s Associate Director of Research Programmes & Awards, said: “The Academy is deeply committed to improving diversity and inclusion in the engineering profession. We are also fortunate to have developed extensive networks of contacts across the whole of engineering, including among academic researchers in the UK.
“We know that among the many barriers faced by underrepresented groups in engineering is a lack of personal contacts and access to networks that can help with work experience and career progression. Through this pilot internships programme the Academy has been able to leverage its existing networks and bring different groups together for mutual benefit in a way that contributes to increasing the diversity and inclusive culture of the UK engineering workforce.”
This year’s interns and their hosts are:
- Liam Eagling (University of Exeter) – Dr Ajit Pillai (University of Exeter)
- Ella Macey (University of Southampton) – Dr Chaitanya Paruchuri (The University of Southampton)
- Saed Mahamed (University College London) – Dr Benjamin Ward-Cherrier (University of Bristol)
- Brain Manco (Graduate Engineering Engagement Programme) – Professor Jonathan Rossiter (University of Bristol)
- Mohammed Abdur Rahim (Imperial College London) – Professor Stephen Skinner (Imperial College London)
- Piyathida Suwannakat (University of Sussex) – Dr Martin White (University of Sussex)
- Zoe Tang (University of Strathclyde) – Professor Charles MacLeod (University of Strathclyde)
- Jacky You (University College London) – Dr Abby Wilson (University College London)
