How does the Phytotechnology summer school work?

Students undertake a project as part of a research group of a research laboratory. They are supervised by a research scientist in a supervising role and work alongside other research staff and students in the team.

What are the benefits of participating in the Phytotechnology summer school?

There are many benefits to participating in the summer school. As a student, you will:

• Be part of the excitement of being a researcher in an internationally competitive laboratory
  
• Experience being part of a research team
  
• Develop expertise in laboratory techniques, field work and experimental design
  
• Potentially contribute to scientific publications, patents and presentations
  
• Create future job and post-graduate opportunities through networking
  
• Benefit from workshops in scientific and career development

How much time does participation require?

The summer school programme runs for a period of 10 weeks from June to August and students are generally expected to spend approximately 8 hours per day in the lab, or field, from Monday to Friday.

Who can apply?

Participants must be full-time undergraduates, typically finishing their third year, or approaching their final year. Second year students with exceptional records may apply, but preference will primarily be given to those approaching their final year. Undergraduate students who are in the final year of their degree programme are NOT eligible to apply

How are students selected?

All applications received before the stated deadline will be carefully reviewed by each of the relevant project supervisors and selections will be made based on the following criteria:

• Student's academic standing (Examination results or GPA)
  
• Student's practical skills and ability
  
• Student's academic background (Relevance of current course or courses completed to date)
  
• Quality of application and personal statement highlighting:
  • Clear enthusiasm and dedication to research
  • Self-motivation and commitment required to successfully accomplish project goals
    

I am an international student; would I need to obtain a visa to participate in the Phytotechnology summer school?

Non-EU students must obtain a student visa in their home country before travelling. Confirmation of their project place can be provided by the project officer. A minimum of 6 weeks should be allocated to this process.

Are students offered any financial support?

Students who are awarded SFI UREKA Site funding receive a weekly stipend of €300 per week to support their living and accommodation costs.

Are international or visiting students offered reimbursement for travel costs?

A standard allowance toward travel expenses for international students (outside the island of Ireland) will be provided. EU students may claim up to €300 while non-EU may claim up to €800.

From where I live, a plane ticket to Ireland costs $2,000! I can't afford that!

We are committed to encouraging and supporting the participation of students who are financially disadvantaged. This may be because you live in a country with a disadvantageous exchange rate (e.g. Latin American or African countries) and/or because of your personal background. Please email us if you need to apply for an extended travel allowance: note that extended travel allowances are allocated based on financial needs, not on academic merit.

Do I have to pick one specific project that I want to work on?

Yes. The Phytotechnology-UREKA summer programme is targeted at students with clear research interests; we select students who are able to work independently. If there are multiple projects of interest to you, you may rank up to three choices in your application.

Where can I get accommodation in Dublin?

We have arranged accommodation in postgraduate apartments on the UCD site. This accommodation is offered at a discounted rate to summer students.