Program Overview
Introduction to the STOR-i Summer Research Programme
The STOR-i Summer Research Programme is a 7-week programme that gives undergraduate students the opportunity to gain invaluable research experience and practical transferable skills within Statistics and Operational Research.
What is the STOR-i Summer Researcher Programme?
The STOR-i Summer Research Programme is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to experience and learn how Statistics and Operational Research can tackle challenging, real-life practical problems. As a Summer Researcher, you will get the opportunity to work under the supervision of a current STOR-i PhD student on a project strongly connected to their research work.
The Benefits of Becoming a STOR-i Summer Researcher
As a STOR-i summer researcher, you'll have the opportunity to work in the vibrant research environment at Lancaster University. Some of the key benefits of being a STOR-i Summer Researcher include:
- Receive a stipend: All summer researchers will be supported by a financial stipend each week across all weeks of the internship.
- Gain PhD insight: Work directly with current PhD students on real-world projects. Gain valuable insight into what it would be like to do a PhD, including the benefits of studying within a Centre for Doctoral Training.
- Develop your network: Benefit from part of a learning group of other like-minded undergraduate students from across the country, as well as current PhD students and Academics in the field of Statistics and Operational Research.
- Build your skills: Learn how to use mathematical ideas and apply quantitative skills to help solve important real-world problems.
Daily Life as a Summer Researcher
A typical day on the programme, from about 9am to 5pm, will involve independent research working to complete tasks set by your supervisor(s) and on some days meeting with your supervisor(s) to discuss your progress. Guidance and advice about your research will come from your supervisor(s) but we encourage you to take an active role with your fellow researchers.
Research Projects
The STOR-i summer programme offers a variety of research projects in areas such as modelling and methodology from a broad range of theoretical and application areas. Previous projects have been based on theory from many areas of Statistics and Operational Research, including:
- Bayesian statistics
- Extreme value theory
- Optimisation
- Queueing systems
- Simulation
- Time series
- Wavelets We have applications across a number of areas, including:
- Criminology
- Environment
- Finance
- Transport logistics
- Health
Allocation of Projects
If accepted onto the STOR-i summer research programme, you will receive a list of sample projects before the programme begins. These projects are grouped into similar research areas called Project Groups. You will be asked to state a preference for a Project Group and share with us your background and experiences.
Training and Events
In addition to working on your independent research project, other events and opportunities will take place throughout the programme. These will continue to develop your skills and give you invaluable experience of what life would be like undertaking a PhD with STOR-i. These include:
- Courses: You will attend short taught courses, including an introduction to computing and presentation skills.
- Seminars: You will have the opportunity to attend seminars with current Lancaster University research students who will share their experiences.
- Coffee mornings: Regular organised sessions will be held to give you an opportunity to meet with staff and students in both Statistics and Operational Research in a relaxed environment.
- Problem-solving day: We incorporate a full day programme in which you will work together in small teams to investigate a real industrial problem and present your findings as a group.
- Research presentation: Towards the end of the programme, you will prepare a short presentation about your research.
- Poster: In addition to the research presentation, you will also create an academic poster, which will be displayed in a final poster session.
- Exit interview: At the end of the programme, there will be an exit interview.
How to Apply
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the Summer Research Programme, you must be aiming to achieve a strong 2:1 or first degree in a subject with a high mathematical content, for example, mathematics, statistics or physics. You will also need to explain a strong rationale for wanting to take part in the programme, and your interest in Statistics and Operational Research. The programme is open to UK students and non-UK students who are currently enrolled at a UK university only.
Application Process
To apply, you will need to supply:
- CV
- Cover letter explaining why you wish to be considered for the programme
- Copy of your degree transcripts and marks to date Please also include in your application:
- Your current fee status (UK/Home or Non-UK / International)
- Details of where you heard about the summer research programme
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a STOR-i Summer Research Project?
STOR-i Research Projects offer a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to experience and learn how Statistics and Operational Research (STOR) can be employed to tackle challenging practical problems.
Where and when will the programme take place?
The projects will run for seven weeks over the summer vacation during which you will engage in research with leading academics from Statistics and Operational Research at Lancaster University.
Who are the projects aimed at?
The projects are aimed at giving an insight into what a PhD in Statistics and OR is like, and are open to students interested in the possibility of undertaking a PhD.
Why should I consider a summer project?
As well as joining other high-calibre undergraduate students studying in the vibrant research environment at Lancaster University, you will be supported by a stipend equivalent to £450 per week for all seven weeks of the programme. Some other key benefits of undertaking a summer project include:
- Experience how mathematical ideas can be employed to solve important practical problems.
- Learn how to apply quantitative skills to important practical problems.
- Gain an insight into what it would be like to do a PhD.
- Develop skills to enable you to excel in your studies and beyond.
What eligibility conditions apply?
You must be aiming to achieve a strong 2:1 or first degree in a subject with a high mathematical content, for example, mathematics, statistics or physics. The programme is open to UK and non-UK students. However, we are only able to accept non-UK students who are currently enrolled at a UK university onto the programme.
How do I apply?
To apply for the Summer Research Programme, you will need to supply a CV, a cover letter explaining why you wish to be considered for the programme, and a copy of your degree transcripts and marks to date.
Testimonials
The STOR-i summer research programme provided a great opportunity for students to explore a topic within statistics and OR that wasn't covered within their undergraduate courses. The programme gave students the confidence to know whether they wanted to pursue further research after their degree. Being part of a group of other summer researchers was an invaluable experience, allowing students to learn from each other and develop their skills.