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International Research Experience for Students

The University of Nottingham

The International Research Experience for Students (IRES) is an international research program jointly supported by Virginia Tech (VT) and the University of Nottingham (UofN), located in the United Kingdom. The IRES program offers eligible undergraduate and graduate engineering students the unique opportunity to investigate the critical research areas of next generation electrical power systems. This program was established through a National Science Foundation (NSF) Award for a three year period (Summer 2014-2017). Continuation for 2018 and beyond is contingent upon other funding resources. Please contact us to learn more. 

The deadline to APPLY for the Summer 2018 program is November 17, 2017.

How It Works

Over a ten week period as paid summer researchers, students work in one of the University of Nottingham's internationally recognized electrical engineering research groups (below). Summer research program participants receive:

  • A $3,500 stipend for full participation in the 10-week IRES program.
  • Housing in the United Kingdom in university-affiliated dormitories.
  • A travel allowance up to $1,600 to cover travel costs to Nottingham. The amount varies based on actual cost of travel.
  • Overseas health insurance.

Key Requirements

  1. Pre-departure Workshops: Three workshops are held at Virginia Tech during the spring semester.
  2. Research Planning Seminar (3 weeks): May 21 – June 8, 2018, tentative.
  3. International Research Experience (7 weeks): June 18 – Aug. 3, 2018
  4. Findings Presentation: Following the overseas experience, students will present their research at a student research symposium or professional conference.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this program applicants must:

  • Be a Virginia Tech undergraduate engineering student at a junior standing or above by January 2018, or Virginia Tech graduate engineering student graduating after May 2018. 
  • Hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their major.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Students of industrial systems engineering, electrical and Computer engineering or mechanical engineering are encouraged to apply. Students of other engineering disciplines who have course work in human factors or power electronics are also encouraged to apply and indicate the relevance of this course work in their personal statement.

Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.