The STOR-i Programme

The STOR-i doctoral training programme spans four years, and is designed to give students the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed within the fields of Statistics and Operational Research.

Programme Structure

The STOR-i Centre for Doctoral Training is a joint venture between the School of Mathematical Sciences and the Management Science department. It offers students a four-year PhD programme in Statistics and Operational Research developed and delivered with industrial partners.

• During the first year, students undertake a Master's of Research (MRes), which includes taught courses, projects, and group activities providing a grounding in Statistics and Operational Research.
• In years 2-4, students complete a PhD project, encountering real-life commercial challenges, developing leading-edge STOR research, and making a real impact on major industrial and scientific applications.
• Depending on the project, students may also have the chance to undertake an industry placement or internship during their studies.

Programme Features

Undertaking the MRes and PhD through the STOR-i programme gives students the opportunity to experience multiple benefits beyond a regular PhD.

PhD Project Selection and Support

The primary source of support and direction for each STOR-i student is their supervisory team. All students are supervised by a team representing at least two of STOR-i's four constituencies (statistics, OR, and industry, international partners).

• Before picking a PhD topic, students are presented with multiple project options.
• They are offered the opportunity to discuss these with their supervisors and current PhD students, as well as given time to investigate their areas of interest to help decide which projects are best suited to them.
• The final project allocation will be made by the Executive Committee after meeting individually with the students to discuss their preferences and motivation.

Outreach and Engagement

All students undertake an element of outreach and engagement. There are three varied options to appeal to different students:

• Charity-based internships: students work with a specific charity for a short period, supporting the charity's work using their developed STOR skills.
• Science Festivals: students run events and give presentations at leading UK science festivals.
• Schools' Outreach: students deliver motivational workshops based on their research to Maths students in year 12 at various schools and colleges.

Research Events

STOR-i hosts research events throughout the year, both to invite external academic and industrial participants to share their research with students and to develop and disseminate research conducted within STOR-i.

• All STOR-i students are encouraged to take part in these events, which provide an excellent opportunity to keep up-to-date with current internationally-leading research and to inspire collaborations with external academics and new industrial partners.
• Examples of these events include STOR-i's Annual Conference, Problem Solving Days, Research Workshops, and Research Seminars.

Masterclasses

STOR-i holds three masterclasses per year for the continuing development of students' research knowledge. Typically, these masterclasses are given by visiting international experts in areas of Statistics and Operational Research not covered by in-house training.

Research Management Skills

STOR-i students assume a high degree of ownership of their research and have the opportunity to develop research management skills throughout their MRes and PhD.

• They have wide-ranging opportunities to practice and develop skills such as applying for and managing grants, dissemination, management, and impact fellowships.

Personal Development Pathway

As part of the core STOR-i training, the Personalised Development Pathway takes students through their PhD study and consolidates all their hard work on skills and personal development.

• Students can choose from defined courses to build their expertise in key areas of personal development, including inter-personal and leadership skills, effective communication, and industry partner-led development with skills for the real world.

Student Community and Activities

STOR-i students host and engage with multiple social activities throughout the programme, including:

STOR-i Forum and Coffee Catch-ups

The STOR-i Forum is a series of informal weekly talks from STOR-i PhD students, intended to inform other students and staff about their current research projects.

STOR-i Support Group

The support group is a student-led, self-electing help network that provides a safe and friendly environment for peer support and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.

STOR-i Computing Group

STORC is a student computing group for all years and subject areas, allowing for the sharing of knowledge on common programs and techniques in a friendly and understanding environment.

DiverSTOR-i

DiverSTOR-i is an innovative student group that aims to create a more inclusive and supportive community for all students, including hosting events and organising talks relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

STOR-i Reading Groups

Students lead reading groups throughout the year on topics such as Changepoints, Computational Statistics and Machine Learning, Epidemics, Extremes, and Operational Research.

After STOR-i

STOR-i graduates go on to use the training they received at STOR-i to pursue many different career fields, including within both academia and industry.

• The programme regularly invites STOR-i alumni back to speak in the form of career talks and seminars, offering current cohorts unique and highly-relevant early-career guidance and advice.

Lancaster University

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Overview:

Lancaster University is a public research university located in Lancaster, England. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK and is recognized for its high-quality teaching, research, and student experience.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Lancaster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of facilities, including a library, sports center, and arts venues. The university also has a strong sense of community, with a variety of student societies and clubs to join.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Rankings and Reputation:

Lancaster University is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK, demonstrating its academic excellence.

Excellent Teaching and Learning:

The university is known for its high-quality teaching and learning, with a focus on student engagement and support.

Vibrant Student Life:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and arts events.

Beautiful Campus:

The university is situated on a beautiful campus with modern facilities and green spaces.

Strong Career Support:

Lancaster University provides excellent career support services to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

Lancaster University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including: * Arts and Social Sciences * Health and Medicine * Management School * Science and Technology