We have hosted a unique Summer School for our second year undergraduates since 1993. The event is an out-of-term-time activity that is extremely popular with all parties involved. It was conceived as a programme that would bring industrial experience to a group of students without them having to leave Southampton.
The programme is a month-long with 3 collaborating companies financing the chemistry and providing a living allowance for the 20 students who attend. As important as the financial support is the intellectual input provided in the form of a scheme of work involving chemistry relevant to the company's current interests and the provision of a member of staff to come and manage the week's work. The month is challenging work and great fun allowing students, Southampton staff and industrialists to get to know each other in a way that is not possible during termtime.
Many of the students who have attended have cited the Summer School as one of the most enjoyable experiences of their undergraduate life and one that was influential on their future choice of career.