WHAT IS PSI?

The Student Research Project was modelled on UROP – the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme, a programme found at many highly ranked universities and research centres around the world, whose aim is for students to gain experience in the field of research.

It is a well-known fact that students of engineering and the natural sciences in BiH are very often denied the opportunity for practical training and research, which makes it harder for them to get to know their field better, develop their skills and knowledge, and decide whether they want to pursue scientific work.

As part of the solution to this problem, members of the Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology decided to offer students the opportunity to gain research experience. The aim of the programme is to pair Bachelor's and Master's students with mentors with whom they will work on research projects, giving them motivation to continue in science and to develop their knowledge, as well as valuable experience and a reference for applications for internships/study abroad. So far we have successfully completed two cycles of PSI: PSI 2021 and PSI 2022.

The programme is completely free of charge, and our mentors are volunteers.

PROJECTS

HERE you can find the list of projects and the mentors in charge of them. In total, seven mentors have offered eleven projects. Our mentors focus on fields such as physics, computer science and mechanical engineering, robotics and the like. In each project description, in addition to the topic and the mentor, you can see what prior knowledge you need and what skills you will acquire.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION 

The project is intended for first- and second-cycle (and integrated) students of the natural sciences and engineering at universities in BiH. PSI mentors work in fields such as physics, computer science and mechanical engineering, but applications are not necessarily limited to students of these fields. You can find the list and descriptions of projects on this page, and in the application form itself you will be able to select the project (or projects) you would like to work on.


Apply by filling in the GOOGLE FORM – the application deadline is 18.06.2023.. When applying, you will need to upload your CV and transcript of grades. You can find tips on how to write a good CV HERE, and for templates and editing we recommend OVERLEAF. In addition, it is important for us to know what motivates you to apply for this project. That is why we also ask you for a motivation letter of no more than one A4 page, in which you should introduce yourself and explain what motivates you to pursue science, what skills you have, why you are applying for this project and what your future plans are. Please note that the motivation letter is not a direct retelling of your CV; rather, it should provide additional information.

Each mentor will select candidates for their own project separately. You present yourself to your mentors through your biography (CV) and motivation letter, so we advise you to pay attention to these two things.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Your first task is to write a good CV and motivation letter, which will be the decisive criteria for mentors when selecting candidates.

You may have an interview with a mentor during the selection process. Selected candidates are expected to carry out the tasks assigned by their mentors conscientiously and thoroughly over the following six months.

You will have a meeting with your mentor every week (approximately). Selected students will also need to attend any social gatherings with other students and meetings at which project progress will be presented. As we are aware of the commitments of students, and of mentors, during the academic year, we expect most of the research to be done over the summer, i.e. during the summer break.

Candidates are required to attend and actively participate in the final online session, where you will present your work to ANNT members and other PSI participants. After the project ends, we expect your feedback so that we can improve PSI for the next generation of interns.

We hope the description of responsibilities has not discouraged you. In any case, candidates' tasks will be adapted to their university commitments, which you will agree on with your mentors. For these six months, in addition to the valuable experience of working with BiH researchers and the knowledge gained in your area of interest, you will also receive a certificate confirming that you completed an internship with ANNT and a letter of recommendation from your mentor. You will also master skills such as writing reports and presenting your work to others.

 PROJECT TIMELINE

  • June: Applications (deadline 18.06.), selection process, start of work with the mentor and first meetings
  • July – November: Work on projects, possibly midterm presentations
  • November – December: Final presentations, sharing experiences of the programme and issuing certificates

Note: the timeline is not strictly fixed and is subject to change if the commitments of mentors and students so require.

For further information, you can contact kontakt@annt.ba.

Good luck with your application!