Undergraduate Vacation Studentship Scheme 2026 – University of York Projects
Applications for our undergraduate vacation studentship scheme at the University of York are now open!
Closing date: 17:00, Tuesday 5th May 2026
Scroll down for details of available projects at the University of York.
About the scheme
The scheme aims to encourage students to consider a career in Chemical Engineering/Chemistry. During the scheme, selected undergraduate students will be based at either Newcastle University or the University of York for the duration of 6 weeks over the summer to complete a short-term research project within the Chemical Engineering or Chemistry discipline.
Eligibility
Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the scheme:
• Be undertaking their first undergraduate degree studies (or integrated Masters)
• Be expected to obtain a first or upper second-class UK honours degree
• Be eligible for subsequent EPSRC PhD funding within PINZ CDT (i.e., UK or right to remain in the UK)
• Be in their penultimate year of studies
Applications for Projects at the University of York
To be considered for the projects below at the University of York please complete the application form below by the closing date of 17:00 on Tuesday 5 May 2026
PINZ Summer 2026 Summer Internship – University of York – Application Form
Projects available at Newcastle University and how to apply for them can be found here. Please note there is a different application process for applying for projects at Newcastle University.
Selection process and timescales
Applications will be screened for suitability and nominated candidates will be shared with the PINZ CDT panel.
Successful candidates will be notified no later than Friday 5 June 2026 with an indicative start date for the project of Monday 15 June 2026.
Payment
Students will be paid for their placement via their host institution. Both partner universities pay hourly rates which are based on the national living wage. At York this is £12.60 per hour plus holiday pay.
Reporting
Following the placement, students will be required to prepare a summary report based on the outcome of their placement. You will also be asked to deliver a short talk on your project to staff and fellow students in Newcastle University’s Process Intensification Group (PIG) or the University of York Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE)
Available Projects at the University of York
Details of available projects at the University of York are listed below; details of available projects at the Newcastle University and how to apply for them can be found here.
Placement Title: Green chemistry: Valorisation of chestnut trees residues
Location: University of York, Green Chemistry Centre for Excellence (GCCE)
Industry Partner: Torry Hill Farm
Supervisors: Professor Avtar Matharu
Placement Description: The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE) is a world-leading academic facility for pioneering pure and applied green and sustainable chemical research, providing innovative solutions for a circular, sustainable 21st century economy, specialising in renewable feedstocks, green synthesis, sustainable technologies and design for sustainable reuse/degradation/recovery. We are driven by a commitment to green chemistry education and training the next generation of researchers and citizens to have a better understanding of the environmental impact of chemistry. We are signatories of the Green Chemistry Commitment, ensuring Green Chemistry education is woven throughout our undergraduate curriculum for all students, not just those taking our Chemistry, Green Principles and Sustainable Processes degrees, or our specific Green Chemistry module.
Working in collaboration with Torry Hill Farm, the placement will focus on exploitation of chestnut tree residues for high value chemicals and materials. In weeks 1- 4 the proposed research will use conventional benign solvent extraction processes to isolate extractives from chestnut tree residues and then analyse and characterise extracts and residues using ir, nmr, gc, gc-ms, hplc, lc-ms, to produce specification and functionality profiles based on feedstock. In weeks 5 to 6 the project will develop a ‘first pass’ techno-economic assessment based on results during the first 4 weeks of the project.
Although training will be provided, this placement requires a student proficient in bench chemistry, setting up reflux, monitoring reactions by TLC, using a separating flask, using rotary evaporators and analysing IR and NMR data.
Placement Title: Chemical Characterisation of Barley Steeping Effluent Organics
Location: University of York, Green Chemistry Centre for Excellence (GCCE)
Industry Partner: Simpsons Malt
Supervisor: Professor Helen Sneddon
Placement Description: This project explores whether useful natural materials can be obtained from wastewater produced during the steeping (water‑washing) of barley. This effluent has already passed through biological treatment and membrane filtration, meaning it mainly contains small, stable organic molecules (around 100–1000 Daltons). These molecules are thought to originate from the natural waxy and polyphenolic compounds that coat barley grains and help protect them from rotting in soil. Such compounds may have potential uses, for example as water‑repellent coatings for natural fibres.
The student will work on isolating these organic compounds from the effluent, separating them into individual components, and identifying their chemical nature using standard analytical techniques. Once characterised, the project will explore possible applications for these compounds by reviewing scientific literature and considering simple chemical modifications that could improve their usefulness, such as making them suitable for polymer or coating applications.