The in2science scheme sponsored by the NIHR University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre is looking for researchers interested in providing 2-week lab placements for ‘AS’ level students from low income backgrounds.
Students get the chance to work alongside scientists, and the aim is to inspire and motivate them and to support them in their application to competitive universities. Last year’s evaluation showed 79% of students went onto university, 58% of these were to a Russell group university and all of these were STEM degrees.
The scheme makes sure scientists offering a lab placements and supervision only have to complete the minimal amount of paper work. The scheme sorts out health and safety documentation, inductions, access cards and insurance and will pay students’ travel and expenses. Students usually have an individual project as well as a number of reading and writing tasks.
Last year was a massive success but many more students apply than we have scientists available to host students. If you, or someone in your lab, would like to make a difference to the prospects of these young people by providing a 2 week placement please contact Angela Barrett on a.barrett@in2scienceuk.org
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register an interest? Email Angela at a.barrett@in2scienceuk.org
When are the placements and how long do they last? Placements occur for a period of 2 weeks during the students summer holiday (any time between the 20 July-28 August). A day usually starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm.
Does the student need an individual project? This is advised but not essential. Students may also support you with your on-going project.
If the student has down time in the lab and there are no experiments to complete, what should they do? The student will have a number of reading and writing tasks to complete during the placement. Students will write a summary on a journal article, and they will also need to submit a brief report on their placement. This usually includes the techniques they learn, and any results they may have.
How do students afford to get to their placement? Students receive £100 for the two weeks at placement to pay for their travel and lunch. Students also receive a ‘New Scientist.
