The BRC has launched a programme to help and encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds to progress to postgraduate biomedical research qualifications and careers.
It is known that lower income and a person’s social background can be huge barriers to progressing to careers in STEM, and that without the right guidance and support some students never consider pursuing a career in the sector.
The BRC In2research programme 2022, run in conjunction with the charity In2scienceUK, involves workshops, mentoring sessions and away days alongside a paid eight-week biomedical research placement at UCL.
It is designed to get people from under-represented backgrounds into STEM degrees and careers and to promote diversity in the STEM workforce.
The programme aims to open up STEM careers to everyone, while promoting social mobility, building a more diverse STEM workforce, and increasing the number of STEM skilled workers in the UK overall.
The year-long BRC In2Research programme is aimed at students who have completed or are coming to the end of their undergraduate degree. It will enable students to:
- Understand postgraduate life and day-to-day work in research careers
- Be able to network effectively in an academic environment
- Feel confident in applying for postgraduate degrees and research jobs
- Develop practical skills such as preparing for interviews
All mentors and supervisors are trained in cultural and race literacy, with the programme creating a safe and welcome research culture for all.
The BRC this year is also continuing to support around 50 students on In2ScienceUK’s summer programme for A-level students, which involves 2-week placements, coaching and mentoring.
One of the students participating in the BRC In2Research programme this year is Tasnim, who has spent eight weeks at UCL working with Professor Mahdad Noursadeghi and his group on research into tuberculosis. Tasnim’s experimental work means that she will be a co-author on any papers published from the project.
Tasnim said: “I have learnt more practical skills here than I did in uni. Interacting with other scientists and researchers has improved my communication skills and made me much more confident interacting with STEM professionals.”
Placement host Prof Noursadeghi said: “This has reaffirmed to me there is lots of fantastic talent out there. it has really motivated me to help break down barriers for these individuals.”
Dr Nick McNally, Managing Director, Research at UCLH and UCL, said: “It is vital we offer these opportunities to get into science and medicine. We need to remove barriers that people from disadvantaged backgrounds can face, and nurture and develop this talent, so that they can succeed at the highest level in science.”
Colby Benari, CEO of In2ScienceUK, said: "The BRC at UCLH are the founding sponsors of In2scienceUK’s programmes. This partnership has been one of our most pivotal, enabling us to expand our high impact programmes and together leverage the skills and passion of BRC UCLH researchers to empower more young people to gain an insight into biomedical research careers.
“We have been honoured to work with passionate research staff at the BRC who are the key to empowering young people to develop key skills essential for success."
