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Science and the Nuffield Foundation

Committed to the careers of young scientists through curriculum development and practical schemes

The Nuffield Foundation, Lord Nuffield’s largest benefaction, was founded in 1943 to support work which promotes social well being. In its early years the Foundation supported research in science on a substantial scale. The Foundation no longer supports scientific research directly, but from those early beginnings have grown two substantial and continuing streams of activity. One of these streams, which sits alongside our well known work in schools science education, is a commitment to the careers of young scientists.

Expanding the Bursaries programme
For many years The Nuffield Foundation has run two very successful bursary schemes that provide opportunities for young people in schools and colleges and in Universities to participate in scientific research projects during their summer vacations. Following a recent review the Trustees of the Foundation have decided to expand the schemes significantly. Over a five year period from Autumn 2006 they will provide an increasing number of places for young people to explore the nature and rewards of a career in science or technology.

'School-industry and school-university partnerships are crucial … and measures for nurturing and supporting them will need to be put in place'.
'Europe needs more Scientists' EC Report 2004

Successive reports and inquiries have alerted us to a crisis in British science. This is not a crisis of quality, but a crisis of capacity. How can we fascinate young people with science and enthuse them with its potential? And, having done this, how can we provide opportunities to help some of them develop careers as professional scientists?

“The Bursary schemes, which provide concentrated introductions to the research experience for senior school students and for undergraduates, are strikingly effective. They are seen by the awardees as crucial encounters at a critical stage in career choice; decisions are made both for and against research careers as a consequence of the experience provided by the awards."
Sir Richard Brook (formerly Director of the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council)

By bringing the schemes together within a single programme we will also be able to develop a range of value added activities, so that the experiences of these young scientists will encourage and enthuse others among their peers. We believe that by developing the schemes in this way the Foundation will be making a substantial long term contribution to the need to encourage bright young people to consider and follow a career in science and technology.

Working with Partners
The bursary schemes already benefit hugely from partnerships with many other organisations which provide funding, student placements, and many other forms of support. These include the Wellcome Trust, the Royal Society, several of the Research Councils and many Research Institutes, Universities, industrial companies and other science-based organisations. We hope to build on these partnerships, and form many new ones, as we seek to achieve our ambition of encouraging many more young people to experience the nature and rewards of a life in science.

As part of its support for the enlarged scheme, the Foundation has reallocated funding from the Newly Appointed Lecturers scheme. This scheme is now closed. If you have any queries relating to the NAL, please contact Vicki Hughes.

Last Updated Tue, 20 November 2007