Putting Science to Work for Growers in Kent

We are looking for rural partners to engage in applied research projects for 10 week summer internships in 2017.

In a joint initiative of Rural Plc (Kent) and the Section of Life Sciences at Canterbury Christ Church University, we are offering opportunities for student interns to undertake applied research projects with rural partners in Kent. These projects will directly address the needs of growers and other partners within the rural sector. 

Key features of the internships

• High calibre students with up-to-date skills.
• Access to labs and specialist equipment.
• Jointly funded (£1,500 contribution).
• Supervised by a University researcher.

Who we are

Based in the heart of Kent, the Ecology Research Group (ERG) at Canterbury Christ Church University consists of researchers with a broad portfolio of expertise in applied environmental sciences. For over 20 years we have been working closely with local partners on land-based research projects from pest management to plant nutrition and beyond.

How we can make science work for you

For the summer of 2017 we are seeking partners in the rural sector in Kent to develop internship projects which will be undertaken by our students. The interns can be placed with a partner or can work from the University campus. If you have an issue or challenge associated with your operations that you would like us to investigate, we would be pleased to talk it over with you to see how we could help.

• We will tailor the scope and aims of the 10 week intern project around your needs to address the challenge you have identified.   
• Your contribution of £1,500 to the project will be match-funded by the University to pay the intern.
• Student interns will use their up-to-date research skills, have access to specialist equipment in our laboratories and can call on the expertise of our academic staff who will supervise them.
• Each project is administered by the University and students are recruited with your input. 

Working with local partners: a case study

'My project was in collaboration with Bramling Court Farm, where I compared Grey Partridge chick food availability across six habitats. The results were instrumental in altering site management at the farm to sustain a natural partridge shoot without additional feeding of chicks. It was a real privilege and was very rewarding to make a positive impact with my research.'

Time frame

Contact us

For further information, or for an initial discussion, please contact Dr Chris Harvey, Senior Lecturer in Biology: chris.harvey@canterbury.ac.uk.

To find out more about this partnerhsip and the work of Rural Plc (Kent), contact: info@ruralplc.com.