Researchers

Work with some of the most challenging and inquisitive minds to develop communication and management skills, creativity, team working ability, boost your CV and renew your enthusiasm for research.

Researchers in Residence (RinR) organises secondary school placements for researchers and can enable you to:

Work with young people and enthuse them about your research.

Build your confidence and enhance your CV.

Gain first-hand insight as to what it is like to teach.

Why should I get involved?

Through Researchers in Residence you have the opportunity not only to build your confidence and enhance your CV, but to make a meaningful contribution to the next generation of potential researchers, helping equip them with the knowledge and information they’ll need to make those all important future career decisions.

There’s no telling what impact your contribution could have…after all, succeeding in influencing the future choices of just one individual today, can impact the discoveries of tomorrow.

“If you can stand up and present in front of a class full of teenagers, you can do it in front of anybody.”

A challenge

Your role as a RinR is to make school subjects more relevant and exciting, and act as a role model that can introduce new concepts, run projects and offer careers advice.

You’ll get the opportunity to dispel the myths and stereotypes that surround researchers, whilst introducing your inquisitive audience to new ways of thinking.

Reflecting on their experiences of the programme, one Researcher noted, “It [RinR] was very rewarding and it stimulated renewed interest in my own research because the children were always asking questions, which is exciting……..”

Career development

You’ll have the freedom to structure lessons and encourage learning as you see fit. With this comes the chance to develop and exercise transferable skills, crucially important to your own career development.  On completion of feedback, both from the school and yourself, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from RCUK.  Given that Researchers in Residence is a national scheme, it is well recognised.

“I am now a judge for next year’s science fair in London. I’ve also been contacted by a Physics publication about being featured as a case story because of my involvement in the scheme.”

Support and training

Researchers in Residence will supply you with the necessary training and information and support material to make the placement a success and work with you to help find you a suitable placement. 

The Scheme also involves a one-day training session for you, covering approaches to effective communication and pupil engagement and the do’s and don’ts in the classroom. During the session you’ll also be given advice on the types of activities past researchers have used to engage young people. You’ll be able to discuss the kind of situations you may encounter during your own placement with the training providers and Regional Coordinators present.  Further information on what happens next is also provided.

“The training was good, the emphasis of explaining things in layman’s terms was good in terms of communicating to different audiences.”

Get involved

Apply today or for more information call us on 0845 365 7470.