BRC- sponsored ‘A’ level students have been celebrating their successful completion of summer lab placements.
This year the BRC sponsored 10 students as part of the in2scienceUK scheme which supports able students from low income backgrounds to gain firsthand experience of working in a lab.
By offering students the chance to work alongside scientists, the aim is to inspire and motivate them and to support them in their application to competitive research universities.
Lab placements were for two weeks. Students are mentored with the aim of improving their communication skills, interview techniques, personal statements and UCAS forms – support they may not necessarily receive at school or at home.
Shirley, a BRC-sponsored student studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths at Lea Valley high School, had a two week placement with Professor Anthony Dickenson’s lab in the medical science building at UCL.
Shirlely, who spoke at this month’s in2science celebration evening, described the low educational expectations many students face: ‘It is deemed very unlikely for any given student to progress to HE. This was a fantastic opportunity for me to learn what research science is all about. Each morning I would meet the professor who would explain different science theories to me from links between pain and reward or why chilli peppers are hot and in the afternoon I would follow the Phd students and post docs while they did the experiments and see these theories in action.
“During the two weeks I was also made to feel part of his team. The group also gave me information and guidance on UCAS applications and degrees which were practically very useful. Thank you Professor Dickenson.”
Professor Derek Yellon, director of the BRC’s cardiometabolic programme, presented certificates at the evening. Professor Yellon said: “This was a most inspiring event – I was so impressed by both the calibre and enthusiasm of the students selected to take part in this two week laboratory placement. The opportunity created the in2Science UK scheme, and especially Rebecca McKelvey, who started this organisation, need to be highly commended.”
He continued: “Our BRC is proud to play a small part in this wonderful and inspiring venture” 
UCL PhD student Rebecca McKelvey, a former teacher set up the in2science scheme, when she was shocked to discover that in the UK in only 18% of pupils on free school meals go into higher education compared to 36% on non-free school meals and 98% of students from independent schools.
Rebecca said: “For most of the students on the scheme these two weeks are very important. It gives the student not only an insight into science but also experience in speaking to people who they do not necessarily meet in other areas of their life.”
To date the scheme, which has been running for 4 years, has enabled over 150 students from low income backgrounds to experience research science first hand at top London institutions. Students are surveyed 1 year on from their placements. This evaluation shows that 100% of the 2010 cohort obtained a place at University and 80% of those on the 2011 summer placement scheme have achieved the same.
