Schools and young people

Using your research and the cutting edge developments in your field to inspire young people could motivate them to become the next generation of scientists. Through engaging presentations, you can make school children think positively and intelligently about science.

Getting involved with schools and young people

There are many different ways that you can work with school children and a number of schemes in which you can become involved.

Please note that from 13 January 2012 the Wellcome Trust and Research Councils UK will no longer fund the Researchers in Residence (RinR) scheme. Since the scheme’s inception 17 years ago the opportunities in the sector for researchers and schools to engage with each other have greatly increased. Although having been of value to researchers and schools alike, this specific design of scheme is no longer able to deliver value for money. 

The focus over the next six months of the RinR scheme will be to complete as many placements as possible for those researchers and schools that have already applied to take part before the scheme closes on the 13 January 2012. Because of this, RinR is now closed to any further applications. Further information can be found here.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Ambassadors (STEM Ambassadors) is a scheme open to all researchers, providing you with training and support as an advocate for science, technology, engineering and mathematics in schools. It is run through the national network of Setpoint centres.

To learn more about what is going on in your area, contact your university’s outreach or public engagement office - many universities now run open days for school children.

Case study Open day at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research Read how Ceri Harrop got involved with a departmental open day.

The highly successful Café Scientifique concept has now made the transition to the classroom as Junior Café Scientifiques, engaging and inspiring pupils with science straight from the bench. In a Junior Café Scientifique, students can discuss contemporary issues in science and technology with working scientists in a comfortable, relaxed, egalitarian, 'café' atmosphere. The format is simple. Cafés take place during lunchtime or after school and outside the classroom - in a library, common room or café. A guest scientist speaks for about 10-15 minutes to introduce the topic, and then the café is open for questions and debate. The talks are deliberately uncomplicated and low-tech. Speakers are volunteers from local universities and industry, and range from professors to young PhD students, depending on the topic and their expertise.

Although currently focused in the north of England and central Scotland, the Junior Café Scientifique team will do their best to support you, wherever you are.

Café organisers are always keen to hear from new speakers - could you help promote this new way of talking about science?

For full information, please see the Junior Café Scientifique website. Or if you'd like to take part in this project, register your interest.

Training and support

For further support and advice on setting up projects with young people, please contact us.