This year, 21 Sixth Form students from RGS Guildford took part in the highly respected ORIS (Original Research in Science) programme, collaborating with leading researchers across a wide range of top-tier universities. These included the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa, Imperial College London, UCL, King’s College London, University of Surrey, University of Bath, University of Bristol, University of Southampton, Kingston University, University of Portsmouth, and St George’s, University of London.
The breadth and depth of research undertaken by our students was nothing short of remarkable. Their projects spanned the full spectrum of scientific disciplines, reflecting both the diversity of their interests and the rigour of their academic preparation. Topics explored included neurology, electrochemical zinc recovery, organometallic chemistry, computer science, more computer science, maritime & aeronautic engineering, medicine, pharmacology, robotics, bumblebees, and applied mathematics.
The extraordinary level of scholarship demonstrated by our students was very impressive. Despite working alongside researchers with years of experience, they held their own with confidence, curiosity, and intellectual rigour. Many supervisors commented on the students’ professionalism, independence, and ability to contribute meaningfully to ongoing research.
“The chemistry we do is quite advanced, even our undergraduate students don’t practice it until their final year of studies. Max picked up very quickly on everything. In the end he even obtained a new compound.” Dr Marina Uzelac, University of Bath
“I would have never guessed he is a high schooler if I was to judge just by his research and lab interactions.” Dr Kamil Jaron, Welcome Sanger Research Institute, Cambridge
“Zaki has shown the ability to absorb complex technical information and relay it back to experienced engineers in a simple way. He has been embedded within the team daily, and has been able to communicate effectively, articulate any challenges he has faced and clarify when uncertain about information he has received.” Helen Hastilow & Tendai Kachale, Rolls Royce
“Matteo collaborated well with post-doctoral researchers and fit in easily with the rest of the group. His results are expected to contribute to an upcoming publication.” Professor Chiara Cappelli, Scuola Normale of Pisa
“Overall, I believe Sebastian has shown high potential for further academic development in science and research.” Dr Mohammad Sooratis, University of Southampton
“Ritam is a highly enthusiastic and independent student, exhibiting all the signs of a very exceptional researcher. He is exceptionally smart, hard-working and capable of going both deep in a specific subject thinking about the broader picture. He is capable of exploring quite diverse areas of science and understanding how to combine ideas from all. He is highly independent, proactive and an excellent communicator.” Dr Nikos Nikolaou, UCL
“His support with the towing tank research work was particularly valued as that lasted over a week (off and on the carriage) and finding intelligent, engaged and tenacious contributors to that, as supplied by Toby, is usually in short supply!” Prof Alan Murphy OG, University of Southampton
These experiences not only enriched our students’ academic journeys but also gave them a taste of real-world research, helping to shape their aspirations and future pathways in STEM. We are grateful, as always, to the universities and researchers who welcomed and mentored them. The ORIS programme continues to be a transformative opportunity for our Sixth Formers, and we look forward to seeing where their talents through further study and into their future careers.