STOR-i Associates Scheme

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What is the STOR-i Associates Scheme?

The STOR-i Associates Scheme is a community for PhD students working in Statistics and Operational Research across the UK. The scheme supports researchers by creating opportunities for professional development, networking, and the sharing of ideas.

Whether you’re at the start of your PhD or further along, the scheme offers a supportive environment to collaborate and grow as part of the wider STOR community. As a member, you’ll have access to academic events, workshops, and other activities aimed at developing your research skills and broadening your professional network.

Membership to the network is free and is open to all UK-based PhD students whose research covers Statistics and Operational Research, particularly those working on applied or industry-linked projects.

What does joining the Associate Scheme offer?

Participate in Research Events

Enhance your continuing professional development by joining STOR-i's bespoke research and training events. As an associate scheme member, you will benefit from free accommodation and travel to our Centre for Doctoral Training, based at Lancaster University.

Examples of these activities include:

  • Annual STOR-i conference
  • Masterclass events
  • Annual STOR-i Spring School
  • Computational/Statistical computer software training days
  • and workshops on emerging topics

Expand your Network

Expand your professional network by joining a network of like-minded Statistics and Operational Research students from across the UK, as well as having opportunities to engage with industrial stakeholders and academics.

Students sat working together around their laptops
Students sat together, looking at a screen

How do I apply?

Limited places are available, so if you are interested in joining in the scheme then please email stor-i-associates@lancaster.ac.uk with the following details:

  • Name of your academic institution and industrial collaborator
  • An up-to-date CV
  • A brief description of your PhD project and how this links with your industrial collaborator or with any substantive application
  • A signed email/letter from your supervisor confirming that they are happy for you to attend networking events

Testimonials

The Associates Scheme can benefit PhD students in a variety of ways. Find out what some of our previous associates have gained from joining the programme:

Thomas Cheale (University of Kent)

"As someone not part of a CDT, I’ve found engaging with STOR-i as an associate incredibly rewarding. I’ve attended the annual conference for the past two years and especially valued the diverse, data-driven talks and the insightful, career-focused sessions. The welcoming community made it easy to connect, and I gained a lot through engaging discussions and learning about cutting-edge approaches to real-world problems."

Mark Tuson (Cardiff University)

"The annual conference provides an accessible window on a wide range of current OR activity and a great forum for networking. In practice, membership of the STOR-i associates scheme has given me access to a range of high-level development opportunities and the chance to network with peers, OR professionals and OR academics. This has helped me considerably in my studies towards a PhD."