OIC Fusion: Real Research Before University

Our innovative Fusion Programme gives students the chance to experience real research before they ever step foot in a university lab. Open to all students, OIC Fusion connects them with PhD researchers and industry partners to tackle real-world challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and biomedical science. 

Working in small research teams, students contribute to live projects supported by expert organisations including UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and UNICEF. They gain practical experience using advanced tools and methodologies while learning how to plan investigations, test ideas, handle unexpected results and present their findings. All of this is completed alongside their academic studies, giving them an early taste of balancing research with workload demands. 
 

Why Fusion Matters for Students 

• Hands-on research experience before university 
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies 
• Opportunities to publish work and contribute to meaningful solutions 
• A stronger university application, especially for STEM and data science pathways 

Student Spotlight 

For his Fusion Project, Kai explored the possibilities of AI-Assisted Data Analysis of the Stock Exchange. This involved use of Machine Learning, Time-series Modelling, Neural network design and Data pre-processing to analyse different stocks and market conditions. His initial results showed that the model often outperformed simple baseline methods for short-term price prediction, especially in stable, high-liquidity conditions. 

"This project demonstrated independent research, strong technical ability, and applying AI to a real-world problem. It provided strong evidence for personal statements and interviews, particularly for degrees in Computer Science, AI, Engineering, or related STEM fields."

Kai, Y12 Student 

OIC Fusion is more than an internal internship. It is a platform that bridges classroom learning with professional research, empowering students to develop advanced skills and make authentic contributions alongside leading academics and industry experts.

Discover Academic Excellence at OIC Brighton. Find out more