The University of Strathclyde is constantly looking to improve its research output and working environments. A key aspect of this is ensuring we build teams made up of diverse groups of thinkers and problem solvers, collaborating in supportive and inclusive environments. We know that the best results are achieved when different voices and different points of view are all brought together. In order to foster the next generation of game changing researchers, we have therefore established this internship program to demystify research and ensure the possibilities of academia are open to all.

This program offers fully funded 6 week internships, in areas of renewable energy research, to people between first year undergraduate and masters degree level studies at a Scottish university. Each project sees a candidate joining a Strathclyde research team and working alongside them throughout. Interns will have a chance to see, experience and contribute to real life research, gaining valuable insight into PhD studies and academic life. They will also learn valuable skills which can aid them in their studies and future projects they might undertake. Most importantly, these projects will help bring the world of research out from behind closed doors, exposing new minds to a world of possibilities where their skills and insight can provide huge contributions in the years to come.

Four funded places are available for the summer 2020 program. Projects will take place for a period of 6 weeks between the months of June and September (inclusive). Individual projects can take place at a time which suits successful applicants, although every effort will be made to ensure that internships are concurrent to allow interns to mix with each other as well as their research groups.

The four internships are entitled:

• Online identification of cascading events sequences in systems with renewable generation
• Multi-rotor wind turbines: investigating optimal size and number of rotors
• A Darwinian approach toward the design of novel floating wind turbines
• Innovative integration of electrical-thermal systems with composite materials

Further details of the projects can be found in the Game Changers Advert 2020.

In order to apply to a specific project, please send a covering letter (1 page max) and CV to the programme lead - Dr Edward Hart (edward.hart@strath.ac.uk). The covering letter should detail: why you are excited about the opportunity to work on your specified project, what skills or experience you have which you feel will help you succeed, and your thoughts on the importance of diversity and inclusion in a research setting and why you would like to take part in a scheme built around this goal. The application deadline is 5pm on Friday 17th April 2020.

Given the current Covid-19 situation, these internships may need to take place remotely and so candidates should ensure they can access a laptop or PC during the project. In this case, some aspects of the work plans may also need to change accordingly.