TWO West Cumbrian research students have gained spots on a top summer placement programme.

Laura Murtagh, of Whitehaven, and Meghan Avery, of Cocker-mouth, were given a taste of life at the University of Manchester’s Dalton Cumbrian Facility, at Moor Row, as part of an opportunity to take on real-life research projects at the university’s nuclear science research facility, at Westlakes Science Park.

Meghan, who is studying natural sciences at the University of Birmingham, said: “It has been so beneficial to work in an academic environment because I’ve been surrounded by people who are working on cutting-edge research and are knowledgeable about nuclear science.

“It’s been rewarding to contribute to a genuine research environment as well.”

Laura, a physics student at Lancaster, said she would encourage budding scientists to take part. “It is an excellent opportunity to put the scientific skills you learn at university to the test.

“The research you will carry out isn’t just a project given to you for the sake of keeping you busy for 12 weeks; it is actually research that is very important to the progression of methods and materials used in the nuclear industry.

“I am very proud of what I have achieved here and feel very grateful for the opportunity.”

The Dalton Cumbrian Facility is a national nuclear facility, housing leading researchers and some of the world’s most advanced capability in radiation science and nuclear engineering decommissioning research.

A third student, Daniel Lewis, was also part of the scheme.

Anne Knott, Dalton Cumbrian Facility commercial manager, added: “This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Cumbrian atomic theory pioneer John Dalton, and one of the best things we can do for Cumbrian students is give them an opportunity to tackle genuine research challenges and be part of our research community.”