Surrey Black Scholars Initiative: Undergraduate Research Internships

The fully funded undergraduate research internships were created for third-year Black (later extended to racially minoritised) undergraduate and taught postgraduate students to increase awareness of postgraduate research and career pathways through early, structured exposure to academic research.  

This initiative funded eight-week paid summer internships. The aim was to increase awareness of research careers and postgraduate research pathways by providing early, structured exposure to academic research. Interns worked with academic staff on live projects and received training in research design, proposal writing, and funding applications. The delivery model mirrored established internship schemes but was racially targeted and included UK-domiciled students with potential interest in postgraduate research.  

Category: Financial Intervention/ Pipeline  

What was this initiative? 

Paid eight-week summer internships providing racially minoritised students with early exposure to academic research and postgraduate pathways. 

Impact for Scholars 

Developed research skills, increased awareness of PGR opportunities, and strengthened progression into postgraduate study. 

Why it matters 

Builds a sustainable pipeline into research careers. 

✦ Key Contribution 

Created early-stage entry points into research for underrepresented groups.