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Successful Global Opportunities bids submitted by Prof Uta Klein, Prof Gita Sedghi and Dr Monika Grabias-Rodriguez resulted in a record-breaking funding amount awarded for existing and new international opportunities for the School of Physical Sciences students, a major step forward in achieving the School’s Global Opportunities objectives and the University Strategy 2031 goals.
Thanks to the funding, CHEM309 and PHYS309 Research Internship modules will continue to provide Chemistry and Physics students with partially funded opportunity to undertake research projects under the supervision of experts at leading international labs and institutions. A similar module is currently in development in the Maths department and hoping to recruit its first students to participate in an international research experience during summer 2025. These placements, which can be taken as credit-bearing or non-credit bearing depending on programme restrictions, allow participants to develop advanced research skills and gain immersive experience in global academic environments, enhancing their academic and professional profiles.
The new initiatives supported by the secured funds include a student trip to CERN, which will allow 30 students from our three departments to visit one of the world’s most prestigious scientific research facilities. Inspired by student interest, the initiative provides a rare opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research and connect with CERN-based academics, further strengthening the University’s ties with the institution.
Another new opportunity, Utrecht Summer School, will support 15 students from Maths, Physics, and Chemistry to participate in an internationally renowned summer programme. Alongside tailored academic courses, the programme includes a vibrant social schedule, fostering a sense of community among students from different disciplines within the School while exposing them to valuable international and cultural experiences.
Dr Grabias-Rodriguez acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the bids, crediting Leah Willis for her support on the Utrecht Summer School and CERN trip proposals, and Anna Pratoussevitch and Alena Haddley for their contributions to the MATH309 bid. She highlighted the transformative potential of these projects:
“This funding enables us to create impactful, transformative experiences for our students, equipping them with academic, cultural, and social skills that extend beyond the classroom. These initiatives will not only benefit participants but also inspire broader student engagement with international opportunities.”
The funding, awarded in late 2024, sets the stage for these initiatives to launch in summer 2025, significantly enriching the student experience and advancing the School’s internationalisation goals.