Two of Monmouth’s A-Level students have had the amazing opportunity of  taking part in the Nuffield Research Placement programme, even receiving their certificates from Prof Sir Martin Evans, Nobel Laureate. Both Sam and David chose to use part of their Summer holiday to pursue their interests in scientific research and the school, and particularly Head of Biology at Monmouth School, Miss Barson, are immensely proud of their achievement and ambition in doing this.

David was delighted with the opportunity: ‘I am very thankful to both Nuffield and the school for organising such a fantastic experience for me to fulfill a Nuffield Research Placement. The event was a brilliant experience where I was able to immerse myself in the wonderful world of science. I met so many interesting people and am very much enriched for this opportunity. It is not every day you get to meet a Nobel winner and hold the Nobel Prize for Medicine!’

Sam was able to undertake research into the Ebola crisis in Africa, inputting data on those who had been affected in the crisis and then extrapolating what effect this would have on the hospitals in the area.

‘I must thank the staff members of Cardiff University, particularly Professor Paul Harper, who mentored me, as they were always friendly and willing to help (even if I did persistently annoy them with trivial questions about why my code wouldn’t work); and finally a great deal of thanks goes to Miss Barson, without whom I would never have heard of this scheme. To my fellow students: I can only recommend that if she were to offer a Placement to you, seize the opportunity and run with it!’

The Nuffield Research Placements (previously Nuffield Science Bursaries) are run annually and provide over 1,000 students each year with the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

Congratulations to both boys on a wonderful academic achievement.