17. b)Improving emloyabilty of Students: PGRs as principal investigators on Think Ahead: Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experiance (TA:SURE) (Discovery Room 1)

Improving Employability of Students: PGRs as principal investigators on Think Ahead: Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (TA:SURE)

Dr Lucy Lee (Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health)

 What is this about?

This session reports the impact of the TA:SURE scheme which offers PGRs an opportunity to act as principal investigators on a research project and allows undergraduate students to gain experience of life as a researcher. PGRs are trained to manage a successful research project from initial competitive research grant application, through student recruitment, writing applications for external scholarships and student supervision.  Impact evaluation analysis of the scheme reveals improvements in PGR leadership, project management, supervise/manage others and creatively. The scheme also resulted in a portfolio of research outputs which will be highlighted.

TA:SURE also provides a valuable experience to undergraduates of what pursuing a career in research would entail and has had great impact on their skills, techniques and knowledge. Many have gone on to carry out a PhD, improving the quality of recruitment within FMDH. It’s an effective tool in advancing the careers of both PGR and undergraduate students.

 How will colleagues benefit?

This session presents:
(1) the drivers for PGR student transferable skills development activities
(2) student development activities that take place as part of the programme
(3) short and long term impact on undergraduate students
(4) short and long term impact on PGR students