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.

Please note that the below details are provisional and will be confirmed later in May 2026. 

Applications for REPs 2026

  • Applications Open: Late May 2026

  • Application Deadline: Early June 2026 (expect a 2-week window for applications)

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

🎯 Key Details

  • 3 REPs available for Summer 2026

  • 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

TBC

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

💬 Your Feedback

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After submitting your application, you’ll be invited to complete a quick Feedback Form (TBC).
(Your feedback will not affect your application.)

📜 Quick Links

  • Application Form (TBC)

  • Project List (TBC)