The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) has been in place at the University of Reading since 2006 and has supported over 600 students across the university, providing them with a bursary that covers the cost of a 6-week research placement.

The scheme provides exciting opportunities for undergraduates to work with staff on research projects across the University, contributing directly to the creation of knowledge, building new skills and strengthening the link between teaching and research. All placements last six weeks over the summer break, or can be part-time over a longer period. The scheme is only open to University of Reading students in their middle years of study.

The UROP process starts with proposals from members of staff in Autumn Term for six week projects that will present students with an insight into a range of research skills in an area that complements or extends their research interests. Those projects that are selected for support are then advertised to students in the Spring Term and there is a competitive application process for students.

Successful students will then receive training before their projects start and are invited to take part in the University’s Undergraduate Research Showcase to communicate their findings to other students and staff.

Those who wish to take their projects to a wider audience can attend the British Conference of Undergraduate Research where students from across the country get together to share their findings. Many UROP students have gone on to have their work published and have attended major national and international research conferences.