'Researcher in Residence' Programme

'Researchers in Residence' is a national scheme run by the Wellcome Trust and Research Councils UK, 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. Young science or engineering researchers are hosted by schools and over the year make between 6 and 8 half day visits to their assigned school to assist in science projects, give lectures and generally aim to inform and inspire students about science. This year five PhDs and Post-Doctoral Fellows took part in the scheme: four of our scientists are linked with local schools and one is acting as a 'Virtual Researcher' available online for pupils' questions.

Several PhD students and Postdocs from the Institute have taken part in this scheme in the past. Karen Featherstone, who has been Researcher in Residence at Comberton Village College, said:

“The researcher in residence program starts with an induction day held by the organisers which introduces scientists to the potential role they can play within the schools. The induction day answered a lot of my questions about what I'd be expected to do within the school and also gave me some suggestions as to the things that I could potentially do with the students.”

“Having contacted the school I meet several of the teachers and organised with which students I'd be working, what activities we would do and when. 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.”

“After meeting the students and seeing the level at which they were being taught, I 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