More work ahead as Sports and Exercise Science students receive national research scholarship

University of Northampton students will keep up the great work throughout the summer after winning a prized, national research scholarship.

Three Faculty of Health & Society students joined 250 other higher education students from around the UK to receive the Wellcome Trust’s Vacation Scholarship award.

The students, who are all studying for their BSc in Sport and Exercise Science, are Matt Roberts, Steven Walsh and Millie Fraser.

Scholarships are only available to undergraduates studying medicine, science, dentistry or veterinary medicine. They give students valuable, hands-on, practical experience of research during the summer holiday weeks. The aim is to encourage them to consider a career in research.

The scholarship – and support from the University – is already having a positive impact on our students.

Steven Walsh will conduct his summer research here, in the University’s physiology lab. On receiving the scholarship he said: “I’m absolutely delighted. To be told I’d received the grant was a huge boost! Research is an essential part of working in this field so completing this work will give me a great grounding for future studies.”

Matt Roberts, who will also be based in our lab, can already see how the research the scholarship is funding will have an impact: “The results we gather for this research could help reduce the incidents of falling in the workplace and help reduce the NHS bill.

“For anyone considering coming here, the course has been fantastic, with accommodating and approachable lecturers. They’ve opened the door for me to develop personally and professionally.”

Millie Fraser concluded by saying: “It has been a pleasure to study at Northampton and so far I have thoroughly enjoyed it as the lecturers are very knowledgeable and determined to bring the best out of us. I would recommend my course as it is very interesting and can open you up to so many opportunities working within sport.”

Read here if you are interested in knowing more about our Sports and Exercise Science course.