Hamilton Trust Summer Research Internship 2021

The School of Mathematics has resources to support a modest internship programme this summer. The programme will take place for 6 weeks from the week of 31. May to the week of 05. July.  Maths, TP, and Joint Honours Maths undergraduates of any year can apply for this programme. It is envisaged that for the whole period of the programme interns will work on a research project in maths under the supervision of a member of staff (the main condition is that the project has mathematical content; supervision by TCD staff members outside School of Maths is in principle permitted (e.g. School of Computer Science and Statistics, or School of Physics), or be designed with a real life application as an end goal.

Last year, we ran it completely virtually, due to the pandemic.  It is anticipated that the internhip will again this year be mostly or fully virtual, as well.

We welcome applications from individual students, as well as small groups (up to 3 students); some prospective supervisors might have projects for which a small group of interns would be better fit. The interns will receive a moderate amount of financial support over the course of the programme (800/1400/1800 euro for 1/2/3 person project). Before applying you should discuss a project with your intended supervisor, someone who is likely to be around for at least a portion of the time. If you are a first-year student, special care should be taken to craft a project that is achievable and meaningful based on the material you have seen thus far and your experiences to date (e.g., mathematical modeling and implementation projects can sometimes fit the bill). It is expected that during the term of an internship a weekly seminar will take place, which all interns are required to attend; moreover, each intern will give a seminar talk introducing  the topic of their project.

It is believed that research internships are of potential benefit to all students, not just those with the strongest exam record, and the selection process will not rely on exam marks, however the quality of actual proposed projects will be taken into account when making the final decision on funding. Typically students should inquire directly to potential supervisors to see if they have a project they would consider supervising. Once they agreed on the topic of the project, they should register their interest through the online application form in which the applicant(s) will be provided an avenue to upload a PDF file with a short (up to one page using font size 11) description of proposed research project. 

Please apply by 5pm on Monday 8 March 2021. Late applications will not be considered. Applications will be processed and selections will be made as soon as possible thereafter by the selection committee.

Sample proposal

Potential applicants can view a sample proposal to get a sense of the structure a one-page proposal should take for the summer internship.

Publicity Consent

It is important for the Hamilton Trust, Trinity College Dublin, and The School of Mathematics to publicize the running of and output from the Hamilton Trust Summer Internship Programme. This entails the possible use of names of interns and as well as photographs of participants engaging in internship activities.

If your project is selected to run this summer, then it will be necessary that each member of your group fills out and signs a form indicated whether or not their name and/or image may be used when publicizing activities related to the internship.

You have the right to refuse consent to use your image or name in publicizing the activities of the internship. Furthermore, if you give consent in this form, you may later revoke that consent.

To participate in the internship, each group member must fill out and sign a publicity consent form.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at ksoodha@maths.tcd.ie.