The Original Research in Science Programme
Ten Sixth Form students have achieved outstanding success through the this year’s ORIS) programme, undertaking advanced research projects at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities. Working alongside leading academics and researchers at Imperial College London, the University of St Andrews, UCL, the University of Surrey, the University of Bristol, the University of Portsmouth, the University of Exeter, and the University of Leeds, the students demonstrated exceptional academic curiosity, resilience, and scientific expertise.
The ORIS programme provides talented students with a unique opportunity to contribute to genuine scientific research, gaining first-hand experience of university-level investigation and innovation. This year’s projects covered an impressive breadth of scientific disciplines, highlighting both the diversity of modern research and the ambitions of the students involved.
A wide variety of research topics
This year topics included sodium-ion battery technology, sonochemical reactions, neurology, mechanical engineering, and protein engineering, with students tackling complex scientific challenges that sit at the forefront of contemporary research. Their contributions went far beyond observation, with several students playing active roles in research projects that may inform future developments in healthcare, sustainable energy, and engineering.
Feedback from academic mentors
The feedback received from participating universities has been exceptional and reflects the remarkable quality of work produced by RGS Guildford students. Researchers consistently praised their intellectual ability, enthusiasm, professionalism, and capacity to engage with highly complex scientific concepts.
Dr Mohamad Abdel-Aal of the University of Exeter commented: “I felt I was working with a strong third-year engineering undergraduate or even an MSc.”
At the University of Bristol, Professor Tony Pickering and Dr Elise Ajay highlighted the significant contribution made to their research: “He was directly responsible for developing a novel method to quantify the demyelination of the trigeminal nerve. The quality of his work was excellent and has made a significant contribution to our project.”
Professor Judy Lee of the University of Surrey praised one student’s work in sonochemistry, stating: “He approached his work with enthusiasm and showed a genuine curiosity and strong interest in the application of ultrasound for the degradation of pharmaceutical compounds.”
Similarly, Dr Rob Armstrong from the University of St Andrews noted: “He was unfailingly enthusiastic, polite and really relished the opportunity to experience life in a chemistry research laboratory. He showed great academic curiosity and was very dedicated.”
Further praise came from Dr Jessica Berrones Reyes at the University of Portsmouth, who described a student as demonstrating “an outstanding level of enthusiasm and a strong commitment to learning about research”, while Professor Judy Lee also commended the student’s ability to think critically and quickly understand the objectives of a complex research project.
Developing essential skills for further study and careers
These experiences exemplify the depth of scholarship within the Sixth Form at RGS Guildford and the school’s commitment to providing opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. By contributing to cutting-edge scientific research at leading universities, students have not only developed invaluable skills for future study and careers in STEM, but have also demonstrated that they are capable of making meaningful contributions to the scientific community at an exceptionally early stage in their academic journeys.