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Trent Institute of Learning and Teaching celebrates the Scholarship Projects for Undergraduate Researchers scheme 2019

The annual Scholarship Projects for Undergraduate Researchers (SPUR) scheme, coordinated by TILT, concluded on Monday 11th November with a celebration event to congratulate all the undergraduates on their work.

The annual Scholarship Projects for Undergraduate Researchers (SPUR) scheme, coordinated by TILT, concluded on Monday 11th November with a celebration event to congratulate all the undergraduates on their work.

SPUR is an annual scheme where undergraduates work in partnership with established academics on a variety of research projects over the summer period. The celebration event on Monday, saw both the undergraduates and academics present their findings through academic posters, which attendees could view, and ask questions about.

After presenting their findings the undergraduates were invited on stage to be congratulated by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Eunice Simmons. In addition, Jane McNeil, Executive Dean of Learning and Teaching thanked Eunice, who will be leaving NTU in December, for their longstanding support of SPUR and, more-widely TILT, as a space where we can enhance learning and teaching at NTU.

When choosing projects to be selected, the panel considers how the research can improve learning and teaching practice at NTU, allowing students to be directly involved in the enhancement of their curriculum.

Since SPUR’s launch in 2008, there have been a total of 439 projects across 50 subject areas. In 2018/19 alone, there were 81 projects showing testament to the popularity and impact of the scheme. This number also includes the SPUR-X projects, which are funded by departments directly.

Jade Lamont, a student in Forensic Psychology, explained that when she was studying at her previous institution, there was “nothing like this anywhere.” Jade particularly enjoyed the opportunity for undergraduates to collaborate with academic supervisors and the scheme has inspired her to aim for a career in academia.

Jade’s research project focused on an evaluation of the Corbett Centre for the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who have committed sexual offences.

Working on another project that investigated the impact of hand car washes in Bristol and the gig-economy, students Tiffany Trunnell and Isabelle Weager explained that the experience has been excellent and recommended others to get involved. “Even if you are only thinking about it, you should definitely give the scheme a go! You learn loads and the ability to see how your research can go on to make further changes is great.”

To conclude the scheme a selection of the completed posters will soon go on tour around NTU’s libraries at the City, Clifton and Brackenhurst campuses. Applications for 2019/20’s SPUR scheme are now open and are welcome from across all disciplines. The deadline is 27 January 2020.

Published on 22 November 2019
  • Category: ADQ