Summer Research Experience Placements 2026

A NERC Research Experience Placement is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to gain valuable research experience in an environmental science. REP students with AI-INTERVENE will receive supervision by one of our established research scientists as well as mentorship from a current PhD student. All our projects require you to work with data and develop your computing skills and will allow you to show your own initiative.

For 2026 we are partnering with the CROCUS Doctoral Training Network to provide 6 placements.

The application window for Summer 2026 REPs will run from 19 May to 2 June 2026.

Applications for REPs 2026

  • Applications Open: 19th May 2026

  • Application Deadline: 4th June 2026 (4pm BST)

REPs funding supports paid summer research placements for undergraduate students across all science disciplines, encouraging careers in environmental science.

🎯 Key Details

  • 6 REPs available for Summer 2026 across the Crocus DLA and AI-INTERVENE DFA
  • Duration: 6 weeks (37.5 hours/week) — 10 weeks (22.5 hours/week)
  • Start date: Early-to-mid July 2026
  • Working Options: Full-time, part-time, or hybrid (varies by project)
  • Travel Allowance: Up to £100 available. There is no additional funding available for relocation or accommodation.
  • Location: The expectation is that projects require some in-person attendance. Remote Working is subject to project requirements.
  • Work contract: REPs recipients are paid as research officer employee (£17.25 per hour), and will enter into a Workers Agreement with the host department of the University.

Each REP student will also be matched with a PhD student mentor to guide and support throughout the placement.

Applications are open to students from all UK universities and all subject disciplines – however, your application is more likely to be successful if your experience and skills match the student profile of the specific project you are applying for. 

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply, students must:

    • Be studying for their first undergraduate degree (or integrated Masters).
      • Note: students in their final year who have graduated and no longer have student status at the time the placement starts are not eligible.

  • Not be in full-time employment (part-time may be eligible).

  • Be eligible for subsequent NERC PhD funding (Please see the UKRI Training Grant Terms and Conditions and guidance documents available here (TGC 5.2) for details on eligibility).

  • Have the right to work in the UK during the placement.

    • Students from outside the UK who do not already have right to work in the UK, should not apply
    • an international student currently studying in the UK with a Tier 4 or equivalent visa that is valid for the duration of the REP

  • Be physically based in the UK for the duration of the placement.

  • Students from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. (Ethnic minorities, those with a disability or from low-socio-economic backgrounds)

🔍 How to Apply

  • The application round will run from Tuesday 19 May until Tuesday 2 June, 4pm BST.
  • Applications must be submitted using the pro-forma provided. The pro-forma will be shared on Tuesday 19 May and will contain the following questions:
    • Why is this project of interest to you? What skills and experience can you bring to it? Mention any courses you have taken that are particularly relevant to this project.
    • Please describe the origin and nature of your interest in Environmental Sciences.
    • Please explain your experience with data analysis and processing and specify the software or coding environment you used.
    • Did you gain experience as part of a module or a project, or as a hobby? Please explain.
  • We need an official list from your current university of all the modules/courses you have completed while doing your BSc and/or MSc degree, together with the results.
  • Following receipt of your application, the Crocus DLA will send you an email confirmation together with a request to fill out a separate form related to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This information will be anonymised and does not form part of the selection process. UKRI explains here why we collect diversity data.

✉ Questions? Contact us at: ai-intervene@reading.ac.uk

💬 Your Feedback

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(Your feedback will not affect your application.)

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