WELCOME TO RESOLV:
Explore Solvation Science

Your introduction to the field of Solvation Science through networking, study, and research.

 

We welcome Bachelor students to Bochum for this trifaceted program.

The integrated Graduate School Solvation Science's week-long Summer School 

Through active participation in an engaging two days of lectures by internationally renown researchers of chemistry, physics, spectroscopy, biochemistry, and more, scholars will gain insight into the latest techniques and disciplines that span Solvation Science. Scholars will meet other researchers from around the world and at various stages of their careers. A day of career-boosting workshops follow, where scholars may meet industry professionals or fine-tune their personal skills. The week closes with a choice of an in-lab practicum where participants gain first-hand experience with new techniques. For previous year's programs, you're encouraged to explore the Summer School webpages. Tip: The advanced module pages may provide more details on the type of research students conduct in select groups.

2-3 month research project

© RUB, Marquard

Scholars will be set up within one of RESOLV's working groups in the Ruhr area and work closely with doctoral and/or post-doctoral researchers to complete a project. Generally, topics may include spectroscopy, molecular modeling, kinetics, and/or synthesis.

Former participants have studied the solvent effects on: catalytic cross-coupling reactions or electrocatalytic activity, supramolecular assembly design for molecular sensors, and phase transitions of proteins. Others have investigated solvent effects with ultra-fast lasers and FT-IR / THz spectroscopy.

The full range of research & locations may be found on the RESOLV Scientists page. Qualified applicants will work with the RESOLV Office to match with an appropriate group. Scholars will wrap up their exchange with a presentation of their work to the Solvation Scholars participants.

RESOLV Colloquia and Lectures

Scholars should attend RESOLV Colliquia organized by the iGSS and may audit lectures, for example, from the Molecular Sciences - Spectroscopy and Simulation master program. While the Undergraduate Exchange program is not offered for course credit at the Ruhr Universität Bochum, we may provide scholars with a detailed module outline and final grade for the project. They are then encouraged to submit this for consideration for course credit at their home institutions.

 

Previous Participants' Experiences 

Sabrina Hu, Washington University, Saint Louis USA (participant in 2022) says:

The RESOLV undergrad research exchange program was a great opportunity for me to learn new and interesting chemical techniques I otherwise may have never gotten the chance to learn, and living abroad was an amazing experience to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone. It was a fun blend of both professional development and personal growth, and I would highly recommend it as a fulfilling summer experience.

Factsheet

Subject: Solvation Scholars Undergraduate Exchange
Duration: 2 or 3 months
Credit: request at your home-institution, 14 ECTS equivalent
Location: Bochum, Germany and local Ruhr RESOLV partner institutions
Language: English
Scholarship: a fixed-rate reimbursement for travel and a monthly stipend
Student Status: Bachelor-level Guest-Student eligibility at RUB for a fee
Start: Whitsuns Week Summer School (June 9 - 12, 2025); in-lab project may fit student's schedule, e.g. May - July or June - August

Current MSc or PhD student? Instead, please see our Student Challenge program!

To Apply

Please submit an application to RESOLV at rub.de between October 15th 2024 and January 15th 2025. It is recommended to apply early, as placement may be on a rolling-basis. Please note, this office's winter closure 21.12.2024 - 5. Jan 2025; we will reply as soon as possible in January. The application should include a:

  • CV with contact details and university affiliation
  • Transcript
  • One-page letter of motivation related to solvation science & the research group(s) of interest.

Prerequisites: Bachelor students will have

  • completed at least one full year of subject specific coursework, equivalent to about 46 ETCS / 3rd Year / Juniors.
  • reviewed the RESOLV research groups & guidelines.

Candidates will be contacted by 16. January and final decisions should be announced before the end of January.

Please note, this program is for students who have NOT yet begun their Master or Doctoral degree coursework. For established collaborations with RESOLV, including MSc & PhD students, please contact us for more information. Some in-lab projects may be scheduled throughout the year.

A note to future Solvation Scholars

What's next?

Alexander Witt (postdoc at Stanford University):
"Despite sharing many fundamental principles, traditionally Chemistry and Physics classes are normally taught separately. The iMOS program is unique in the way that it brings together students from different fields to learn, and fosters connections between different research areas. This quite unique program prepares students for cutting edge research which is increasing interdisciplinary and sits at the interface between traditional fields."

Benjamin Born (postdoc at Weizmann Institute of Science):
"It is exciting to see a new generation of solvation scientists emerging. The well-established combination of a task-specific lecture series and hands-on research experience in Bochum and in selected labs abroad will be beneficial to the personal and scientific development of students of the iMOS program."