JRA poster exhibition in Mandela Hall on 18 October 2021

We are excited to announce that the 2022 Junior Research Associate (JRA) Scheme will launch on 7 February. The scheme provides undergraduates with the opportunity to broaden their academic skills and expand their enthusiasm for their discipline. For those students considering postgraduate study, the programme also gives an insight into the research environment at Sussex.

Each JRA receives a bursary to undertake an eight-week, full-time research project over the summer months, working alongside academic supervisors and PhD mentors to contribute to cutting-edge research across the disciplines. Applicants must be in the second year of their undergraduate degree, or the third year of a four-year degree.

In 2021 we funded eighty Sussex JRA undergraduates and 17 international JRAs, culminating in a research poster exhibition and competition judged by faculty and staff at the University. This year’s winner was Phoebe Valentine (Mathematics and Physical Sciences) for her innovative poster “How to Measure a Coffee Splat”, which presented a theoretical problem in an innovative and engaging format. Eden Franklin-Lester (Education and Social Work) and Phoebe Watson Brown (Life Sciences) were runners-up, and BSMS awarded a separate prize to Zara Coombes for her poster on people living with HIV during the pandemic. Read more about the poster competition and prize winners in Flint.

Some feedback from this year’s students:

I received just the right amount of support. I could work independently which pushed me to learn things by myself, which was very rewarding, whilst knowing I had the help of an expert if I needed it. Thank you! I had an amazing summer working on my research!
Amy Maitland, Psychology

It exposed me to what real research is like, with actual world implications. The practical and theoretical experience I gained could not have been replicated in a module report. Mika was supportive and fun to work with, always providing feedback and help when I asked for it. Working on his project was being part of a real team, with loads of fun and support.
Zhenna Azimrayat Andrew, Life Sciences

My supervisor has taught me a lot about research skills and methods. But also allowed me to extend my research beyond the JRA poster, to completing a research article.
Carly Yung, MAH

JRA gave me a chance to test if a research career is for me. It's particularly important as many postgraduate courses open admissions in autumn, so I'm better off knowing I'd enjoy working in the lab.
Rad Chwistek, Life Sciences

Interested in becoming a JRA? See the Undergraduate Research Office website for further details of the scheme, including FAQs and information on the application process. If you are considering proposing your own project we have put together guidance on how to approach a supervisor. Details of the launch event will follow in January.

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