It is a scientific research programme organised in conjunction by MOE and NUS. It aims to provide JC1 Science students who demonstrate interest and aptitude for scientific research with the opportunity to be in a mentorship and undertake research projects in a scientific and technological community, acquiring critical inquiry and research competencies and desirable dispositions of practitioners in the scientific field.

PROGRAMME

The Programme comprises 2 parts: 

• Mentorship Attachment 

• Science Research Congress

The Mentorship Attachment offers students the opportunity to work on research projects in Life/Medical Sciences, Chemical/Physical Sciences, and Engineering under the guidance of mentors from NUS and other established research centres.  Students work in a real-world research environment. 

During the mentorship attachment in May/June, the student spends at least 2 weeks working full-time on the research project. Thereafter, the student meets with the mentor on a regular basis to complete the research work.  Every student writes a scientific paper at the end of the Attachment.  The papers will be published as Proceedings of the 38th Science Research Congress. 

The Science Research Congress which will be held in April 2026 offers students an opportunity to communicate their research findings to an audience of mentors and interested JC students.  On the successful completion of the Attachment, certificates of participation in the SRP 2025/26 will be presented to the students at the Congress. 

Since 2006, the student in the SRP may submit his/her research project for assessment as a H3 subject.  Students offering H3-SRP would have to submit their scientific papers for H3 assessment in January 2026 and take part in an oral defence in late February 2026. 

Application is open to first-year eligible junior college H2 science students who have strong background in Mathematics, Science or Technology. They should have had preferably several laboratory experiences and are familiar with laboratory routines and use of associated equipment including extensive use of computers. They must be willing to make a commitment to the programme and to accept the challenges and responsibilities that go with this opportunity. Interested eligible JC1 H2 Science students should first apply to participate in the Research Methods Module (RMM).

Admission Criteria:

Students should have

A. demonstrated a keen interest in scientific research-related activities during the secondary school days;

B. obtained an aggregate of 6 or better for English Language and any 4 Science and Mathematics subjects in the GCE 'O' Level Examinations

C. successfully completed Research Methods Module (RMM);

D. participated at the Science Research Congress; and

E. prepared a research plan approved and accepted by a mentor / H3 supervisor.

Interested students should first apply to participate in the Research Methods Module (RMM).

• • • RMM serves to introduce students to library resources on NUS campus, basic laboratory safety, ethics in research and insights into the current R&D available in participating departments / research centres in NUS. 

    • To participate in the RMM, students are expected to apply at the online RMM application form from 20 to 24 Feb 2025. 

Research Methods Module (RMM) Application 2025 | FormSG 

• • • Students will be shortlisted to participate in RMM based on

      • Strong academic performance

      • Interest demonstrated in scientific research-related activities in Secondary School

      • JC Principal's recommendation

    • RMM is expected to take place within 1 - 24 April 2025.

  • After RMM, successful students will need to attend the 37th Science Research Congress (26 April - Virtual), before they can apply for SRP by contacting potential mentors for a possible research project. Once a research project has been assigned, students are expected to go for at least 2-week full time attachment in June, followed by fortnightly research work / meetings from July onwards till December.  In the following year, students are expected to submit a formal write-up of their research work (January 2026), as well to present their work at the 38th Science Research Congress (April 2026).

  • Do consider if you are able to cope with the commitments before signing up.