What's involved?

You will work in a secondary school for 14 to 24 hours, usually over a number of visits, but within one full academic year.  You might spend time with a small group of young people working on a particular project, assist in practical lessons, or even lead demonstrations and give presentations about your own research.

Why should I get involved?

Through Researchers in Residence (RinR) you have the opportunity not only to build your confidence and enhance your CV, but to arm the next generation of potential researchers 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.” (Anon.)

A challenge

Your role as a Researcher in Residence will be to make school subjects more relevant and exciting, introducing new concepts, run 'special' projects and offer careers advice.

You’ll get the opportunity to dispel the myths and stereotypes that surround researchers, while 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……../” (anon.)

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.” (anon.)

Flexibility

Your placement can be arranged for any time during the school year but will need to suit both teacher and researcher. The time from submitting an application to starting your placement will range from three to six months, often because placements may need to fit around your fieldwork and research commitments or until you have attended a Researchers in Residence training day.

To ensure both researchers and schools get the most from the placement, you will be asked several questions at the application stage, such as your preferred placement location, age group and number of school visits. You’ll also need to develop what you want to do with the host school; whether you need to access equipment or facilities at your University; and how you will tailor it to the needs of the students' age group.

Researcher Profiles

Don’t just take our word for it that RinR is a worthwhile investment of your time. Find out what is really involved by viewing some of our researcher profiles.

Get involved

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