Successful scheme engages pupils through website

School placement scheme, Researchers in Residence, has revamped its website. The website (www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk) now enables researchers and schools to apply online, making it even easier to arrange a placement.

The scheme, funded by RCUK and supported by the Wellcome Trust, places researchers in host secondary schools across the UK. Everyone benefits: researchers develop their teaching and communication skills by running fun and interactive activities related to their work; teachers gain from extra classroom support; while students get an opportunity to experience real research and link it to classroom theory.

The new-look website includes case studies and researcher profiles to showcase previous Researcher in Residence placements and illustrates the benefits of participation. Scheme manager, Dr Alexandra Humphris-Bach, said, “by hosting researchers, teachers bring a positive role model into the classroom who will, with little extra effort, help enrich the curriculum.”

Commenting on her experience of the scheme, Tamsin Langley, a former Researcher in Residence stated: “It is a really good way for new researchers to get experience of public speaking and build their confidence. You could organise an outreach activity by yourself, but you would not get the training and support that you do through the programme.”

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Notes for editors

Contact:
Chloë Somers
RCUK Press Officer
Tel: 01793 444592

1. The programme accepts researchers from all disciplines, ranging from the physical sciences to the arts and social sciences, including cross-disciplinary subjects such as biomimetics, the study of the structure and function of biological systems as models for the design and engineering of materials and machines.
   
   
2. Researchers in Residence is open to all researchers and to UK secondary schools funded directly or indirectly by one of the UK research councils or the Wellcome Trust.
   
   
3. Researchers or schools that are interested in finding out more should visit the Scheme’s website or call the helpline on 0845 365 7470.
   
   
4. Images and case studies available on request.
   
   
5. About Research Councils UK
   
   Research Councils UK is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils. We invest annually around £3 billion in research. Our focus is on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global research requires we sustain a diversity of funding approaches, fostering international collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure, and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves impact – the demonstrable contribution to society and the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers and businesses need to engage and collaborate with the public, business, government and the third sector. www.rcuk.ac.uk

   The seven UK Research Councils are:

   • Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
   • Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
   • Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
   • Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
   • Medical Research Council (MRC);
   • Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
   • Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).