Fostering academic literacy and unveiling student excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) research at the University of Plymouth, UK

Abstract

Six years ago, when I stepped into the role of Editor for this journal, I couldn't have foreseen the incredible wealth of talent nestled within the student cohort at the University of Plymouth (Truscott, 2018). The journey through their undergraduate research endeavours has been truly remarkable, a testament not just to their inherent abilities but also to the exceptional guidance provided by their research project supervisors and external sponsors. Each passing year unfolds as a unique odyssey through the diverse realms of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), all thanks to the steadfast commitment of these students to inquiry within these fields. This journal, beyond being a platform for showcasing undergraduate project research, actively contributes to the learning curve, providing students not only with a publication outlet but also a valuable experience in academic writing and research literacy. Excitingly, this commitment was recently acknowledged as an “outstanding” contributing factor (Office for Students, 2023, p. 6) in the University's attainment of the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 Gold award (University of Plymouth, 2023), an accolade shared by the dedicated students and supervisors who fuel this journal annually. With its global reach, the journal aspires to make a substantial impact on research and education. It serves as an educational resource, allowing students worldwide to enhance their academic writing and research skills by engaging with the articles published here...