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NeuMat SSC

We invite expressions of interest from individuals keen to support and shape the NeuMat Summer Studentship Programme. SSC members play a critical role in selecting high-quality projects, evaluating student applicants, and ensuring a supportive and inclusive experience for all participants.

Ideal committee members will demonstrate some or all of the following qualities:

  • Engagement with Early-Career Researchers:

    • Regularly works with undergraduate and postgraduate students.

    • Experience supervising or mentoring early-career researchers.

  • Broad Connectivity:

    • Well-connected across UK academic institutions, industry, or interdisciplinary networks.

    • Ability to facilitate outreach and engagement across diverse sectors.

  • Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

    • Proactively supports widening participation and inclusive practices.

    • Advocates for underrepresented groups in STEM and higher education.

  • Subject-Matter Awareness:

    • Familiarity with, or interest in, neuromorphic materials and devices, or related interdisciplinary areas (e.g. physics, materials science, electronics, neuroscience).

  • Collaborative Ethos:

    • Willing to work collegially and transparently in evaluating proposals and student applications.

    • Comfortable making constructive judgments in a committee setting.

  • Time and Responsibility Commitment:

    • Availability to participate in 2-3 meetings per year, typically held virtually.

    • Capacity to review and score a moderate number of project and student applications within set timeframes.

  • Advocacy and Outreach:

    • Enthusiastic about promoting the programme within their networks.

    • Willing to support efforts to reach a geographically and demographically diverse student applicant pool.

Summer Studentship Committee (SSC)

Terms of Reference

  1.  Purpose
    The Summer Studentship Committee (SSC) is established to oversee the planning, selection, and evaluation of undergraduate summer internships (Mechanism M3) within the NeuMat Network. These internships aim to attract top undergraduate talent into PhD programmes and foster early engagement with neuromorphic materials and devices research.
  2. Responsibilities
    • Project Vetting:
      • Review and refine project proposals submitted by UK institutions for summer internships.
      • Ensure projects are suitable for undergraduate students and align with NeuMat’s themes and objectives.
    • Student Selection:
      • Evaluate student applications for selected projects.
      • Ensure fair and transparent selection based on academic merit, motivation, and fit with project goals.
    • Oversight and Feedback:
      • Monitor internship progress and gather feedback from hosts and students.
      • Recommend improvements for future internship cycles.
    • Promotion and Outreach:
      • Help advertise the studentship programme across UK institutions.
      • Encourage participation from underrepresented groups and diverse geographic regions.
  3. Membership
    • The SSC will consist of 6 or more members, elected through self-nomination at preceding network meetings or via the NeuMat website.
    • Members will be selected by the Principal Investigators (PIs) in a transparent manner.
    • Membership terms:
      • 2 years, with a 1-year term in the final year of the network.
      • Rotation of members will ensure fresh perspectives and inclusivity.
  4. Governance
    • The SSC will be chaired and overseen by Prof. Judith Driscoll and Assoc. Prof. Giuliana Di Martino.
    • Members are expected to:
      • Actively participate in meetings and proposal assessments.
      • Uphold the network’s values of excellence, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
      • Adhere to data protection and ethical standards in all activities.
  5. Reporting and Evaluation
    • The SSC will report progress and feedback to the core team and International Advisory Board (IAB) annually.
    • Feedback from students and hosts will be reviewed to inform future planning and ensure continuous improvement.