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Aspiring researchers from a Shropshire school have taken part in a new scheme at ÎÞÂ붯»­ aimed at boosting practical science study skills.

The nine students from Haberdashers’ Adams School in Newport were selected to take part in the inaugural Harper Adams Research Project (HARP) following a competitive application and interview process.

They were invited to the University to meet its Laboratories Team and key research staff before undertaking a two-week practical placement this summer.

Throughout the fortnight, each student undertook a focused academic research project under the guidance of a dedicated supervisor.

ÎÞÂ붯»­ Widening Participation Officer Rachel Brookes said: “To complete the programme, students submitted a scientific report for assessment and presented their findings at a formal colloquium.

“This means that not only did they get to learn about their chosen topic alongside technicians, researchers and academics – but they also got the chance to see how research projects like theirs are written up and presented at a conference, too.”

Each student received a certificate in recognition of their work throughout the programme, and two were chosen to receive awards for their research and presentations.

Alson Lam won the Outstanding Achievement Award for Meat quality and fat composition of “Economy”, “Premium” and “Organic” labelled steaks, while Ayan Faraz won the Mark Robinson Award for How plant defence elicitors activate aphid natural enemies.

Ayan, who comes from Stafford, was working on a project looking at the use of compounds which trigger plant defences - and whether they could be used as alternatives to traditional pesticides.

He worked alongside the University’s Entomology team to examine the effects of the compounds on aphids, helping to prepare trials and writing up the results.

He said: “Everyone got to know the research which was being done at the University, and it was a great experience – I would absolutely, 100 per cent do it again!”

His fellow student. Charlie Curteis, from Shrewsbury, worked with technicians Ellie Clowes and Jane Cooper and Pig Unit Deputy Sector Manager Dr Sarah Icely on research examining pig nutrition.

He added: “One of the good things for me was, after the first day, it was fun getting together with the other students on the project – everyone got along as we talked about our research.”

Rachel added: “I’d like to thank Jane, Ellie and Sarah, as well as Dr Joe Roberts, Dr Alex Watson-Lazowski, Tom Leigh and Dr Ben Clunie for their support throughout the project-as well as the wider technical and research community at Harper Adams!

“The HARP initiative is designed to be inclusive and accessible, encouraging applications from local students of all backgrounds and abilities. It reflects the university’s commitment to STEM outreach and widening participation within the region.

“This was the first time we’ve run the project – but it won’t be the last!”