Year 12 Students undertake a STEAM based research project, working within an employer or academic research environment. The placement runs part-time for 2-3 weeks virtually during the Summer (dependent on the project allocated). This enables students to research a topic with support from qualified professionals and experts.
Applications for our 2025 programme will open on 25th February and close on 4th April - please keep an eye on the website for updates
Unlock Your Potential with a Summer Research Project
Are you a Year 12 student in Surrey looking for an exciting research opportunity?
Our Research Work Placements (RWP) programme is designed to connect students with leading companies and research organisations in STEAM and related fields including Science, Technology, Engineering, Sustainability, Economics. This unique program allows you to gain hands-on experience, develop key employability skills, and enhance your university applications.
What is a Research Work Placement?
A Research Work Placement is an opportunity for students to collaborate with an industry leader or research organisation to develop an innovative project. These placements opportunities are available through the summer, running for 2-3 weeks.
Key Features:
- Free to Join - There are no costs for students to participate
- Virtual & On-Site Experiences - Work with companies through online sessions and site visits
- Independent Research - Investigate real-world challenges in STEAM-related fields
- Virtual Interview Practice - Prepare for future job or university interviews
- Final Presentation - to other industry experts
- Celebration Event - Showcase your findings at an autumn event
- Crest Gold Award Eligibility - Your research can contribute to earning a prestigious award
Who Can Apply?
- Year 12 students based in Surrey
- Must be studying A-Level or Level 3 BTEC subjects related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Psychology, Economics, Geography, Design, Maths, or other relevant fields
- Applications require teacher support, but there are no entry barriers
Why Join?
- Gain Industry Exposure - Work alongside professionals from renowned organizations like Microsoft, University of Surrey, Legal & General, Surrey Wildlife Trust, and more.
- Enhance Your CV & University Application - Research experience is highly valued by universities and employers.
- Develop Key Skills - Improve research, communication, and presentation skills.
- Join the SATRO Alumni Network - Be part of a growing community of like-minded students and professionals.
What Past Students Say:
“I had a really great experience with Ringway during our project. There were so many opportunities to talk to people involved in all aspects of the industry. It also gave me an opportunity to develop my presentation skills and research an area I wouldn’t have ordinarily known much about.” Ringway Project Student
“This experience helped me gain a deeper knowledge of my chosen topic. It gave me the opportunity to learn about sustainability in Formula One and understand future changes needed to complete their proposal.” Student
How to Apply
Applications will open on 25th February and stay open until 4th April 2025.
The application process includes two stages and requires teacher support.
How it Works for Providers
SATRO Research Placements a programme running since 1999 SATRO matches Year 12 A-Level (or Level 3 Equivalent) students with companies and research organisations in the summer to undertake a short research project. This should be of benefit to both the organisation and the student as part of a real-world aspect of the work you do.
For companies the programme is outlined below:
- Google Classrooms set up for each project through SATRO or the host organisation.
- Our RWP project manager supports applications, assignment of projects and introduces each student to their provider and supports meetings.
- Access to programme online materials to support their learning: research techniques, online presentation, advice on research posters and interview techniques.
- Careers interview and online practice interviews.
We hold a celebration event in October for students, providers and those interested to join next years cohort.
Projects will normally run for around 2-4 weeks during the summer with a final presentation to the company. This may involve a visit to site and presentation to staff.
The positive outcome for a student includes the opportunity to present the research for a Gold CREST Award as well as using the experience as evidence in UCAS applications.
A 2022 student provided feedback on their experience:
“This experience has truly been phenomenal, and I would do it all over again. I loved researching a multitude of technologies that could be implemented in the UK to increase the number of homes being built every year. For example, a technology I explored was robotic swarm construction, developed by a research group at Harvard University, where simple robots in large numbers built a design rapidly, safely, and cost-effectively. I found this fascinating as with no central control, a single point of failure did not exist, meaning it is very reliable. Some of the skills I gained included research, presentation, organisation, and communication skills. I am grateful to SATRO for this invaluable opportunity, and I would like to say a massive thank you to COINS and SATRO for guiding me throughout the project. I would recommend this to anyone like me, looking to complete a research project with the guidance of industry experts and meet new people who are just as interested as you are.”
