University celebrates international JRA students from leading partners
Junior Research Associate (JRA) International students from leading global partners presented their research to Sussex faculty and professional services staff last week at a reception in Bramber House.
Fasanya Precious Wuraola from the University of Lagos, who is researching company law reform as a tool for development under the supervision of Dr Femi Amao
Prof Michael Davies, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), with Luqman Hakim from Universiti Teknologi MARA, who is working on the Green Brain Project under the supervision of Prof Thomas Nowotny
The JRA International scheme provides undergraduate students with beneficial research experience in preparation for future PhD study. Students from selected international partners are supervised by Sussex faculty for an eight-week summer research project.
This year, eight students are participating, with projects hosted in five Schools. Partners include the University of Ghana, University of Lagos, Mahidol University, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Tomsk State University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Renmin University of China.
For the first time, a reception was arranged to provide students with experience of presenting the research project they are working on to an audience. Students spoke on a highly diverse range of projects, which included company law reform as a tool for development, co-adaptation and conflict in social paper wasps, and the Smc5/6 complex and genome stability.
"I’m delighted to be hosting Thanadol (from Mahidol University) in my laboratory," said Senior Research Fellow in Biochemistry, Dr Erika Mancini. "I was very impressed by the quality of the presentations and by the passion of these young students, who are ambassadors for their countries and for their research subjects."
The event was hosted by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Michael Davies, who said: "The JRA International scheme is an exceptional opportunity to engage with distinguished researchers and develop international networks and will be a life-changing experience for many students. We are grateful to Sussex faculty for providing excellent projects for students."
The scheme is managed jointly by International Partnerships and the Doctoral School, with support from the International Partnership Development Fund. Where possible, placements are identified that connect students with Sussex faculty involved in research collaboration with the partner institutions. The undergraduate research experience is valued by international partners, some of whom have opened up reciprocal opportunities for Sussex students.
For more information on the JRA (International) scheme, contact International Partnerships Officer, Georgie Chesman, or Doctoral School Officer, Julie Carr. Georgie and Julie are particularly interested in hearing from faculty who have links at the University’s strategic partners and may be able to offer research projects for future years.