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 national schemes in which you can become involved.

Researchers in Residence provides training and support for PhD students to engage with children within host schools. Funded by the Wellcome Trust and Research Councils UK, it is an excellent route into public engagement. Participation in the scheme will help you to improve your communication skills and develop your ability to make your science accessible.

Case study Researchers in Residence Read about Petra Schneider's experience at North Berwick High School.

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.