Public Engagement:
Researchers in Residence

'Researchers in Residence' has been a nationwide scheme, funded by Research Councils UK and supported by the Wellcome Trust, which aims to bring schools into closer contact with scientific researchers and, through young positive role models passionate about their science, help to make science more stimulating. Early-stage researchers make visits to their assigned school (lasting up to 24 hours over an academic year) to assist in science projects, give lectures and generally aim to inform and inspire students about science.

Several PhD students, Postdocs and Group Leaders from the Institute have taken part in this scheme over the years. In 2011 Stefan Schoenfelder and Francesco Cambuli were ‘Researchers in Residence’ at Netherhall School.  In collaboration with the teachers Aoife Jenkins and Anne Stewart, they provided talks and practicals about “Strawberries, worms and you – the story of DNA” for a group of 8 pupils, aged 11/12 years old. In June they visited Babraham to learn how to do DNA gel electrophoresis and see science in action.“We explained to the pupils that there are many secrets of life still to be discovered,” Francesco and Stefan said, “and with their enthusiasm in performing simple experiments, they remind us that doing science can be a beautiful adventure!”

Karen Featherstone, Researcher in Residence at Comberton Village College, said: “The Researchers in Residence program starts with an induction day which answered a lot of my questions about what I'd be expected to do within the school and also suggested things that I could potentially do with the students.”

“Having contacted the school, I organised my placement as several half-day sessions the first of which involved meeting the students and seeing the level at which they were being taught. I then organised sessions to explain what I work on and how science operates at a broad level. The final session involved a small group of students coming to Babraham to carry-out an experiment so that the students could see the environment in which a scientist works and also to use more specialised equipment than is available within the classroom. 'Researchers in Residence' has improved my communications skills, given me more confidence and demonstrated that I can make a positive contribution in schools just by sharing my experience and perspectives of science.”

Contacts

Dr Claire Cockcroft
Head, External Relations
01223 496260
Contact by email

Dr Anja Drozd
External Relations Officer and Secondary School Outreach
01223 496000
Contact by email