A BRC programme to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds get into biomedical research has entered its second year.
Five students are being supported as part of the BRC In2Research programme 2023, run in conjunction with the charity In2ScienceUK, which involves workshops, mentoring sessions and away days alongside an eight-week biomedical research placement over the summer at UCL and/or UCLH.
A person’s social background can be a huge barrier to progressing to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, and without the right support some students never consider pursuing a career in the sector.
The In2Research programme aims to break down these barriers, and in so doing, help and encourage undergraduate students from less advantaged backgrounds to progress to postgraduate research qualifications and careers.
It is also designed to build a more diverse STEM workforce, and increase the number of STEM skilled workers in the UK overall.
The programme supported by the BRC is aimed at students who have completed or are coming to the end of their undergraduate degree. It enables 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.
In 2023 the BRC 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 Khadija Ahmed, a second-year Medical Sciences student at the University of Exeter.
Khadija’s 8-week In2Research placement was with the ‘EvidENT’ ear, nose and throat team and the BRC Hearing Health theme at the UCL Ear Institute from June to August 2023.
She has written a blog about her experience during the placement, saying: “My experience in the EvidENT team and learning from a BRC funded project has allowed me to gain valuable insight into the day-to-day running of a clinical research team.
“My experience helped in shaping my career prospectives where I am now considering further academia as an option. The knowledge, skills and personal development I've gained through this In2research placement will be useful as I embark on the final year of my degree.”
To find out more about In2Research programme, visit the In2ScienceUK website.
