Every year we have a number of students who apply and are awarded a placement via SEPnet. Over the past years only two-three students have applied, but this year we have had ten successful applicants.
About SEPnet:
The South East Physics Network, is a network of nine universities in the South East of England, working together to deliver excellence in physics. They lead the way with high quality research, the largest physics PhD training programme in England, scores of undergraduate placements, and outreach activities, all of which are informed by the needs of employers for skilled physics graduates.
A snapshot of what they do …
- SEPnet’s Outreach and Public Engagement programme provides teachers with supported access to curriculum resources and integrated programmes with partners such as the Ogden Trust, STEMNET and the Institute of Physics
Did you know that … last year, their brilliantly knowledgeable Outreach Officers made contact with nearly 40,000 school children, to show physics in action through engaging experiments and demonstrations?
Did you know that … since SEPnet was formed, overall undergraduate cohort numbers have risen by nearly 50% across the network? - SEPnet’s postgraduate training network – GRADnet – provides PhD and MSc by Research students across SEPnet with a wide range of discipline-focussed Advanced Physics Schools and other professional development opportunities.
Did you know that … GRADnet is England’s largest postgraduate physics training programme? - All of SEPnet’s activities set out above benefit from a large, collaborative employer engagement network, with physics Employer Engagement Officers based in each university, and with industry providing specialist training and placements for SEPnet students.
Did you know that … almost 100 SEPnet undergraduates undertake paid summer placements each year? - Research in SEPnet ranges from investigations into the most fundamental physics, encompassing matter from its smallest subatomic scales to the entire universe, and its interactions and dynamics. The research relates to the physics of new materials, quantum computing, low temperature physics, nuclear medicine, space science, the atmosphere and climate, … pretty well everything.
Did you know that … LOFAR-UK, the first internationally significant new radio telescope in the UK for 40 years, would not have been possible without SEPnet funding and researchers?
… and how theydo it
SEPnet is committed to equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. They support SEPnet partners to adopt and share best practice in gender equality, and by obtaining recognition for that work via the Institute of Physics’ Project Juno and applying for Athena SWAN award recognition.
SEPnet Summer Placement Scheme
Each year, SEPnet arranges for undergraduates in their 2nd and 3rd year at SEPnet partner universities to carry out eight week paid placements. The scheme not only provides a transfer of knowledge across the South East of England, it increases the employability of physics students too.
A two-way street
The scheme is highly rewarding to both students and employers. It introduces students to the scientific workplace and acts as an invaluable resource for employers looking for a fresh perspective on their business challenges.
Students receive £2,500 for an 8-week placement to cover their expenses.
Our students
This year our students have been placed at: Santander Bank, Oxto Energy, Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, the University of Surrey, Deimos Space, Centronic and Geoptic Infrastructure Investigations Ltd.
Some of our students will be sharing their experiences over the next few weeks.