Norwich

East Anglia Summer Research Program

Experience plant and microbial science, interacting with some of our world-leading scientists and gain an unrivalled insight into research.

Spend 8 weeks at the UEA's internationally renowned research centre, partnering with fellow Norwich Research Park institutes; The Sainsbury Laboratory and the Earlham Institute. 

Key information

Location

Norwich, UK

Language

English

Semester

Summer

Program type

Research

Application information

Application status

Open October 1, 2024

Summer 2025 applications

Priority deadline: November 11, 2024

University-specific additional requirements

One academic reference required; students must have 2nd- or 3rd-year standing at the time of the research placement. See Eligibility section below for details.

Summer 2026 applications

Open October 1, 2025

Student Experience

Undergraduate Summer School Life at the John Innes Centre

University of East Anglia

Program details

East Anglia's summer research program partners with research institutes that focus on various topics within plant & microbial sciences. Projects change from year to year, but often are in the fields of:

  • Biochemistry and Metabolism
  • Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Computational and Systems Biology
  • Crop Genetics
  • Molecular Microbiology

A list of projects can be found on East Anglia's program page, click here. The project list is usually updated in early January or February for the upcoming summer.

 

This is an 8-week program, typically running from mid/late June to mid/late August.

  1. Cost

    There are no tuition fees charged for this program. A stipend and free housing is provided by UEA, which should cover all living costs in-country.  

    However, students are responsible for their own flights and travel expenses. Remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations, etc. in your budget planning.

  2. Funding

    The program is funded by UEA and their sponsors. It includes:

    • £250 per week stipend
    • Free accommodation in your own room (with an en-suite bathroom and shared kitchen), within 10-15 minutes walking distance of the research centre
    • Training, research, seminars, workshops, and social events
    • The opportunity to be part of a world-renowned scientist’s laboratory and contribute to their research

    Since you remain a degree-seeking student at UCalgary while on this research program, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are normally eligible to receive from the university, as well as student loans.

    This program is also eligible for the Faculty of Science IDEAS funding.

Students will receive free accommodation in a private room (with an en-suite bathroom and shared kitchen), within 10-15 minutes walking distance of the research centre.

This program is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the University of Calgary. Students must have 2nd or 3rd year university standing at the time of the research program. (4th year students are also welcome to apply, but must be returning to UCalgary for a 5th year of study after the research program.) No minimum GPA is set by UEA, however students must be in good academic standing, and higher GPAs may have a higher chance of acceptance.

Application is through a two step process:

First, apply online to UCalgary (see the Apply Now link at the top of this webpage). We will be keeping track of your application and supporting you throughout the program.

Next, you will apply directly to UEA. We will remind you when it is time to apply (typically this happens in the early new year) but it is your responsibility to apply on time. The application will be on UEA's website.

As part of your application to UEA, you will be asked to input information from your resume/CV. UEA will also ask you for the email address of your reference (they will contact your referee directly to ask for the reference). Your reference should be a professor who has taught you at UCalgary, or a past research supervisor, or another instructor who knows you well as a student.

Please be aware that there are not guaranteed spaces for UCalgary students on the UEA summer research program, and it is ultimately up to UEA whether or not you are accepted.


Have questions?

Global Learning 101

Please watch this short YouTube playlist before reaching out or booking an appointment. In these videos, you will learn much of the basics about Global Learning, which may answer your initial questions.

Watch Global Learning 101

Academic Advising

Before applying to study abroad, you should ask your academic advisor how this program might align with your degree (e.g. best time to go, what courses you need).

After you are accepted, you should ask your academic advisor more specific questions about courses/transfer credits. It’s also recommended to follow up with your advisor again once you return to Calgary.

Find your academic advisor

Global Learning Advising

If you have questions, please reach out to our office! We offer drop-in advising for general inquiries, and if you have questions about this specific program or any others, you can book an appointment with the responsible advisor.

Please use the link below to find the most up-to-date information about our current advising options.

View the Global Learning Advising page

The exchange advisor for this program is: Flavien Niederst

How to Apply

Download the application guide

This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.

Application guide

Identify three programs of interest

We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.

Check requirements and deadlines

These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.

Start your application

Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!

Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.

APPLY NOW

International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.

For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.

If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.

Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.