The Aviatrix Project launches Nuffield Research Placements for summer 2021

Once again, the Aviatrix Project is supporting the Nuffield Foundation by offering 25 research projects to successful applicants. All supervisors are BWPA members and supported this venture in 2020.

The Nuffield Foundation supports talented year 12 students from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete research projects in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. These students are often the first in their families to go to university, so this scheme provides a valuable opportunity for students to make connections and gain experiences for their applications.

“I’ve had a lifelong passion for aviation and I want to ensure that young women have ample opportunities to achieve their dreams. Being supported by female role models was key to my success and enjoyment whilst learning to fly. One of the main aims of this project is to raise aspirations of young girls and to promote aviation as an exciting and accessible career choice.”

Kanchana Gamage – Founder & Director, The Aviatrix Project

The Aviatrix Project has been working together with a number of pilots and researchers to create a research topic and resources around the subject of COVID-19 and its impact on the aviation industry. Students have been asked to complete research around the social, financial, emotional impact of the pandemic on air travel across the globe.

Some of the research project supervisors

Our partnership with the Aviatrix Project

The BWPA has long enjoyed joining forces with the Aviatrix Project, and a number of aviation and STEM organisations, to help inspire and encourage women and girls to take to the skies. Along with various partners, the Aviatrix Project team visits schools across the UK to help inspire the next generation of pilots. They also promote scholarships and awards which can help women and girls make their first step into aviation.

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the industry and has made in-school visits more challenging. As a partner, easyJet have signed up to support the Project with virtual school visits, as part of easyJet’s Amy Johnson Initiative, to encourage girls to consider careers in aviation. This ensures that even when face-to-face visits are not possible, girls in school can stay informed and educated about the wonderful world of aviation.

There is a huge shortage of female pilots, and less than 10% of commercial pilots are women. The Aviatrix Project looks to address this and the gender imbalance within the industry. Children form perceptions about careers early on, so it is important that organisations such as the Aviatrix Project and the BWPA take the opportunity to educate children from a young age. Over the past 5 years, the Project has worked with many easyJet pilots, who have in turn helped inspire young future pilots.

To find out more about the Aviatrix Project, visit the partnership page on our website or contact them via email.