Scottish Plastics and Rubber Association

Nuffield Bursary Celebration Event

Callum Magill displaying his project work at the Royal College of Physicians

Rolls-Royce (Inchinnan) based *Nuffield Bursary student, Callum Magill, attended the 2011 Nuffield Bursary Celebration Event held at the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh on 5th September 2011. Callum displayed a summary of his project, "Surface Engineering - Data Collection and Analysis" which reflected the work he undertook during the 4 week industrial placement. The project involved the collection and analysis, using a statistical software package, of process control data from thermally sprayed abradable coatings.

Callum is currently studying Physics, Mathematics Chemistry & Photography at Douglas Academy in Milngavie and hopes to progress to an Engineering degree at Strathclyde University in 2012.

The Celebration Event was well supported by participating students and Host organisations. Guest of Honour, Professor Adam McBride, a mathematics graduate, delivered an engaging presentation to a filled lecture theatre. Adam is Chair of the Council of The Mathematics Association and organises UK wide mathematical challenges for schools.

Report by Andrew Russell, SPRA Council Member, October 2011

*Nuffield Foundation Science Bursaries offer up to 1000 bursaries a year, for students to work alongside practising scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.
Projects take place during the summer holidays, giving students an insight into the world of scientific research and development.
Students in the first year of a post-16 science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) course are eligible to apply for a bursary of £80 per week to support them during their project. Placements are available across the UK, in universities, industry or research institutions. Applications are welcome from students doing vocational courses as well as academic ones.