Research Experience Placements

The National Environment Research Council (NERC) Research Experience Placements (REPs) scheme is a fantastic opportunity for undergraduate students considering a career in the environmental sciences to undertake a paid summer placement on a research project. Please see last year’s REP Poster Showcase for examples of some of the projects that were undertaken.

The REPs scheme targets students pursuing their first undergraduate degree or an integrated Master’s, with a focus on addressing diversity challenges and the quantitative skills gap in environmental sciences.

We particularly welcome applications from:

  • UK-based undergraduates who self-identify as racially minoritised (i.e., come from a Black, Asian, or minority ethnic background)
  • Undergraduates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university.
  • Undergraduates who have been in care or who have been a young carer.
  • Undergraduates from a low-income background.
  • Undergraduates who are currently studying in a quantitative/data-based discipline and are interested in applying their skills within the environmental sciences.

Placement details

  • 3 placements will be funded for Summer 2026.
  • The placement will be advertised as 35 hours per week for 8 weeks, running from 22 June 2026 to 21 August 2026.
    • Part-time placements may be considered for certain projects to allow more flexibility for students.
    • Hours worked beyond this will not be paid for.
  • Students will be paid £12.90 per hour (plus employment costs).
  • An additional £500 will be awarded towards research expenses during the placement.
  • Students will be based and employed by the host organisation in the UK. The placements will be in-person, although some short phases of UK-based remote working might be acceptable.
  • Students from any discipline will be eligible.
  • Students will be required to attend the following: 
    • 22nd June – induction day 
    • TBC – midway development day 
    • TBC – poster presentation day (end of placements) 

How to apply 

Please submit your CV and a personal statement (up to 500 words) to nerc-dla@soton.ac.uk. These should outline the following:

  1. Motivation: What motivates you to apply for a Research Experience Placement? Please include specific examples of your current interests, skills and experiences (including extracurricular activities), and how these relate to your chosen project.
  2. Research Alignment: How do your academic or research interests align with your chosen Research Experience Placement project?
  3. Development Goals: What skills, experiences, or insights are you hoping to gain from undertaking a Research Experience Placement?

We ask all applicants to complete our Research Experience Placements reporting questionnaire – 2026. 

Research Experience Placements will be advertised on this page in late March 2026. Please keep an eye on updates!

Eligibility of participating undergraduate students:

Students are subject to eligibility criteria to be able to apply for NERC REPs and must be:

  • Undertaking their first undergraduate degree studies (or an integrated Master’s)
    • Note: Students in their final year who have graduated at the time of the placement start are not eligible
  • Have not previously completed a NERC REP  
  • Eligible for subsequent NERC PhD funding. (see the relevant text in the terms and conditions for training funding and associated guidance for further information).