SPUR Programme

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SPUR Programme

SPUR-ON 2010

Summer Programme in Undergraduate Research on Neuroscience (SPUR-ON) at RCSI and TCD

SPUR-ON 2010 is the fifth SFI UREKA site coordinated at RCSI and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience (TCIN). SPUR-ON participants will take part in cutting edge neuroscience research, encompassing broad and interdisciplinary methodological approaches. Students will also take part in a programme of science and social activities including journal club, workshops, and social events. The end of the programme will culminate in a "mini-symposium" where participants will prepare an abstract and present their research as an oral presentation.

Dates: Monday 14^th June 2010 until Friday August 20^th 2010 - only applicants available to participate for the entire 10-week duration of the programme will be selected.

Support: Students accepted to SPUR-ON will receive a stipend of €300/week for 10 weeks. Participants coming from the EU outside Ireland may receive up to €300 towards travel expenses. Participants coming from outside the EU may receive up to €800 towards travel expenses.
Students are personally responsible for any necessary travel visas and medical insurance.

How to apply: Selection will be based on a candidate’s enthusiasm and commitment to neuroscience research. Although the projects are neuroscience based, the approaches are multi-disciplinary, therefore will consider applicants from a wide range of undergraduate courses. Students in the final year of their undergraduate degree and students who already hold a third level degree are NOT eligible. To apply, please submit:

Your C.V. (two pages maximum)

A short statement (one page maximum) on why you wish to partake in SPUR-ON-2010 and rank the three most interesting projects to you.- Projects for SPUR-ON 2010 are available here

Two academic letters of recommendation (short letters from undergraduate lecturers and/ or secondary/ high school teachers) stating your suitability to perform scientific research. View sample reference letter here.

NB: Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Applications should be submitted electronically by Friday 26^th March 2010 at 5pm GMT to the SPUR coordinator, Dr. Carla O'Connor at SPUR@rcsi.ie.

Successful applicants will be informed by the end of April 2010 .

Applicants should note that SPUR-ON projects are hosted at three sites: RCSI St Stephen's Green campuses in Dublin city centre, the Education and Research Centre in the Smurfit Building at Beaumont Hospital (easily accessible by public transport) and Trinity College Dublin which is a short walk from St. Stephen’s Green.

Any additional questions or inquiries can also be sent to SPUR@rcsi.ie.