College/University - N/A, N/A, UK
UCL connect.ed is a student initiative to build a research community for students. Research skills are best acquired through experience. Students are rarely exposed to research projects in their first year and second years. We believe that undergraduate students should be introduced to these skills right from beginning, i.e., their first year at UCL. Therefore, our aim is to promote research in undergraduate education at UCL by pairing early undergraduate students with postgraduate students, who will act as research mentors. Through connect.ed, students can gain research experience within and beyond the scope of their degree studies. We intend to create a formal channel that would make acquiring research skills simpler and more accessible. Connect.ed is also a invaluable resource for postgraduate students who can gain mentoring experience while obtaining help with their own research. Connect.ed supports UCL's endeavour to improve education. In line with UCL's Connected Curriculum dimensions 1 and 2, we are providing students with the opportunity to be directly involved with researchers and research at UCL. Connect.ed also provides students a safe environment to explore and learn more about research activity at UCL without worrying about assessment. Moreover, we support the UCL Education Strategy 2016 - 21 by creating a culture that encourages proactive engagement with academia at UCL.