Summer Projects
GOAL:
Advancing Racial Inclusivity in the Chemical Sciences. As part of a national commitment to creating a more equitable and representative chemical sciences community, we are pleased to launch our Summer Vacation Project Scholarships — a transformative opportunity designed to support talented undergraduate students from racially minoritised backgrounds.
These scholarships directly align with the Royal Society of Chemistry’s six strategic goals for racial equity outlined in their Missing Elements report, particularly the call to:
Widen access to high-quality research experiences,
Improve retention and progression,
And ensure racially inclusive environments in academia and research.
Through these summer placements, we aim to close opportunity gaps that have historically limited representation in STEM research pathways.
The partner universities have awarded 10x scholarships, each valued at:
£2000 stipend to support living costs during the placement
£600 consumables allowance per project to fund research activity
These projects are more than just academic experiences — they are stepping stones toward long-term inclusion and representation in the field of chemistry. By investing in emerging scholars now, we are shaping a future chemical sciences community that is not only excellent but also equitable
The Students
Abigail Oluwadiya
I’m an undergraduate chemistry student at the University of Kent. I’m passionate about exploring how computational chemistry and AI can accelerate drug discovery and sustainable materials.
Iren Meranlieva
I am a third year Chemistry Student at the Uni of Kent. I’m particularly interested in cosmetics formulation, green chemistry and enjoy the hands-on experience being in a wet lab gives
Harry Mcgahan
Chemistry student at the University of Kent with an integrated master’s year. Interested in a career in research and synthesis of photoswitching chemicals for applications in drug sensing.
Fatima Jamil Imtiaz
I am a second year BSc Pharmaceutical Science student at the University of Salford who has great passion for research, chemistry, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Akanksha Fuse
Akanksha is currently pursuing a PhD in Biotechnology and Nanotechnology at the University of Salford.I aim to continue working in research and development, to advance the field of nanotechnology and smart material design.
Dorothy Madzvova
Driven by a passion to advance science and healthcare, Dorothy explored medicinal and analytical chemistry through hands-on research.
Fatima Begum
I am currently studying Biochemistry, a subject I find interesting as it is the intersection of biology and chemistry.
Amber Alcantara
During my project experience I had the opportunity to develop my practical laboratory skills when exploring different Lewis acid catalysts in the Friedel-Crafts synthesis of 4’-methoxyacetophenone.
Ava Yassaie
Ava Yassaie 4th year MChem chemistry, biological and medicinal chemistry student at the University of York.