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The Plymouth Student Scientist

About This Journal

Welcome to The Plymouth Student Scientist! This is an electronic journal showcasing excellence in undergraduate student research from the University of Plymouth's STEM disciplines. This online journal started as the main output of a HEFCE-funded project, and is now supported by Learning Development, Library and Learning Services (part of Education Services). Its aim is to support and develop research-informed teaching and good writing practice at the University of Plymouth.
 
The e-journal seeks to make the research process more accessible and explicit by highlighting examples of good practice from across the STEM disciplines. It also aims to support both staff and student involvement by acting as a teaching tool for staff and as a vehicle to promote and share student research activities. We welcome STEM submissions from all faculties at Plymouth.
 
It is hoped that the journal will encourage students to become more reflective and critical of their own research skills as they consider the work of their peers. All articles are presented largely in their original state, complete with imperfections. In addition, we hope the journal will enable students to see a range of research activities and potential collaborations with staff at the University, encouraging further dialogue and enquiries. We welcome comments regarding this e-journal.

Opportunities to Publish:

This opportunity applies to students from STEM subjects who are studying at the University of Plymouth (ONLY):

Journal Editorial Board

Editorial Board - available here

Journal History

“The Plymouth Student Scientist has relied on the support and involvement of staff and students across the Faculty but it could never have appeared without the considerable efforts of a team of staff who have been committed to it since the outset; Dr Tim Auburn, Dr Ken Kingston and Philip Tubman have all played key roles but my particular thanks must go to Dr Karen Gresty, who has led the project throughout, and Andy Edwards who has put in much of the hard work in bringing this first issue to its successful release. The project was made possible by funding to the University from the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s support for measures to strengthen the link between research and teaching, through the Teaching Quality Enhancement Fund.”
 
Source: Uttley, M. (2008) 'Introduction to The Plymouth Student Scientist', The Plymouth Student Scientist, 1(1), p.1
 
*Dr Mick Uttley was then the Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Science and Engineering (University of Plymouth)

Timeline of Key Milestones

  • 2008: The journal was launched as part of a HEFCE-funded project, led by Dr Karen Gresty with technical and editorial support from Andy Edwards. This marked the beginning of a platform dedicated to showcasing undergraduate STEM research.
  • 2008–2018: For the next decade, the journal thrived under the stewardship of the original team mentioned in Uttley’s introduction. Andy Edwards and Dr Karen Gresty played pivotal roles, supported by project supervisors, students, and Associate Deans for Teaching and Learning.
  • 2018: Dr Jason Truscott from Learning Development took over responsibility for the journal, working closely with Dr Gresty to ensure continuity and innovation, supporting undergraduate research writing and development.
  • 2023: The journal was recognised as an outstanding contributing factor in the University of Plymouth achieving TEF Gold (Office for Students, 2023). This milestone highlights the journal’s role in enhancing student learning and research engagement. Dr Ruth Weaver, then Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning, was instrumental in putting the journal forward as part of the TEF submission. [Read more]

A Big Thank You

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the supporters, advocates, and students who have contributed to the success of The Plymouth Student Scientist. Your dedication, creativity, and commitment to research excellence have shaped this journal into a vibrant platform for learning and collaboration. Together, we continue to inspire innovation and celebrate the achievements of undergraduate research at the University of Plymouth.