Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme in Wales

What is the aim of the Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme?

The aim of the scheme is to give students who are interested in science a chance to contribute to science or technology-based projects in the areas of research and development.

Who is eligible?

The Nuffield Foundation is offering bursaries to first year Advanced/Higher post-16 students.

How does the scheme help students?

The scheme helps students to take part in science-based projects in industry or in research institutions during the summer holidays. Unlike work experience schemes, students carry out projects that are well defined from the start and have an outcome that is achievable within the time available and which will make a contribution to the work of the host organisation.

How the scheme works

Nuffield Regional Co-ordinators run the scheme. In general, there are two ways of finding a project placement.

Students may arrange their own project placement, with their science teacher/lecturer’s help, in an organisation whose work interests them. Before making applications, teachers/lecturers need to discuss the suitability of the project with their Regional Co-ordinator.
Students may apply for project placements that have been set up by their Regional Co-ordinator. Science teachers/lecturers at schools and colleges should contact their Regional Co-ordinator for further information, closing dates and application forms.

The scheme provides students with an opportunity to:

carry out a project lasting 4 to 6 weeks in an area of science or technology that interests them;
receive a bursary of up to £450 (£75 per week) to allow them to benefit from this invaluable education experience;
gain valuable insight into the way science is carried out and what is involved in research;
put into practice skills learnt at school/college and acquire new ones;
have an enjoyable and rewarding experience that will be highly valued by their future employers and admission tutors at centres of higher education.

Students accepted on the scheme are required to write a project report and to complete a feedback questionnaire. A celebration day is held in September, when students are asked to give a short presentation about their project. A certificate is issued to all students.

For further details, contact your Regional Co-ordinator, Jacqueline Hale, at Techniquest, Stuart Street, Cardiff CF10 5BW, T (029) 20 475 475 ext 206, email: sian@techniquest.org or visit www.nuffieldfoundation.org

Project Providers 2006

British Schools Expeditions Society (1)
Cardiff University: School of Chemistry (1)
Cardiff University: School of Engineering (2)
Cardiff University: School of Engineering, Wolfson Centre for Magnetics (2)
Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (2)
North East Wales Institute: Centre for Water Soluble Polymers (2)
Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff University: Department of Child Health (1)
Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff University: Department of Haematology (2)
Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff University: Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology (5)
Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff University: Department of Surgery (2)
Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff University: School of Optometry and Vision Sciences (1)
Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff University: Institute of Nephrology (1)

Projects from summer 2006

Using synthetic materials to simulate the electrical properties of body organs

Michael Draper and Rhys Bowley
Whitchurch High School, Cardiff

Project Provider: Cardiff University, School of Engineering

Modern pacemakers can currently transmit data (blood pressure, BPS, etc) to a computer via magnetic signals. This process is long, causing patients hours of discomfort. New research is being done on using EM radiation to transmit the data much faster.

We were given the assignment of creating false human tissue, for the testing of embeddable EM antennas. Extensive research has been done on the effects of EM radiation passing into the human body, but very little work has been done on EM waves travelling outwards. Materials that replicate human tissue already exist, but are costly and environmentally damaging. Our task was to create materials that behaved similarly to the epidermis, muscle, fat, etc that are cheap and safe to manufacture. We also had to investigate possible ways of embedding the antennas into our synthetic materials.

Our project was successful, producing accurate synthetic tissues that are usable in the previously explained research. We also succeeded in embedding a prototype antenna.

The Regulation of Expression of the HAS2 gene

Maria Kim
St John’s College, Cardiff

Project Provider: Cardiff University, School of Medicine: Institute of Nephrology

The aim of my project was to investigate the hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) gene, which is expressed in human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HPTC) and in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC). It was also of interest to investigate what factors upregulated HAS2.

From a readily tissue-cultured HPMC and HPTC line HK-2, RNA were extracted from the cells and their concentrations were calculated using an ultra-violet spectrophotometer. Thereafter, the target promoter sequence was amplified using the polymerase chain-reaction (PCR). The RT-PCR products were then used to produce results with the agarose gel electrophoresis method.

I found out that the natural antisense transcript for HAS2, HASNT, was present in HPMC and in HPTC. HASN’T was present in the presence or absence of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1b (IL-1b). This suggested that NASNT cannot suppress this HAS2 upregulation. qPCR analysis of HAS2 mRNA synthesis following Sp1 or Sp3 knockdown during IL-1b stimulation showed a suppression of HAS2 upregulation and further suggested that this was a HASN’T-independent process.

I felt that the most valuable achievement from the placement was the expansion of my scientific knowledge from the weeks of doing extensive research and working with the scientists in laboratories.

The Genetic Control of High Temperature Induced Self-compatibility in Grasses

Stuart Leitch
Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron

Project Provider: Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research

The aim of my project was to research whether heat affected the self-incompatibility of grass. Samples of grass grown at two different temperatures were planted and research done on the percentage germination.

The experiment did not show positive results, but we did find out that heat had no effect on percentage germination.

The laboratory work and the use of advanced computer software provided me with valuable experience.

Comments from project providers:

I think this scheme is of great benefit to the students involved, enabling them to gain some lab experience and to help them in their university course choices.
Mr Andrew Sanders, Metastasis and Angiogenesis Research, Department of Surgery, Wales College of Medicine

To date we have greatly enjoyed hosting the scheme – the students have been very bright and conscientious. It is a useful mechanism for us to build links with the wider community.
Dr Ian Ratcliffe, Centre for Water Soluble Polymers, North East Wales Institute, Wrexham

Comments from teachers:

This was the first time for one of our students to participate – Angharad felt that it was a very worthwhile experience – we plan to follow up with reports to governors and the school magazine/newspaper, and a presentation to year 12/13.
Mrs Jayne Griffiths, Y Pant Comprehensive School

Lucy and Natalie have given us very positive feedback about the scheme saying that ‘They would recommend it to anyone’. Opportunities of this nature are rare and of great benefit to those who are fortunate enough to attend.
Mr Frank Bestwick, Welshpool High School

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