After every event we ask the winning scientists to write a short post to be sent to all the students who took part in the zone. It’s the perfect way for the scientists to reflect on the previous two weeks, thank all the students for voting for them, and talk about how they plan to use their £500 prize money.
If you’re a scientist keen to experience the ‘best crash course in scicomm’, apply now for the next event at imascientist.org.uk/scientist-apply
Stephanie Mann, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, Climate Zone
This experience has been extremely worthwhile. I feel I have learnt so much, especially when trying to communicate sometimes quite complex problems in understandable language. I have also learnt a lot about what engages kids – maybe not things like computer processing large amounts of data, but more the idea of what the results mean in real life and how they might affect us here and now.
David Howard, University of Edinburgh, Genes Zone
I loved taking part in I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here, and the format was so much fun to be involved in. The mix of science- and career-based questions along with those of a rather more off-beat nature kept it feeling dynamic and enjoyable. There were some excellent questions relating to ethics and the future of science and thanks to all the teachers and students who took the time to interact with us. I really hope you got as much out of the experience as we all did and I would definitely recommend others to take part.
Max Jamilly, University of Oxford, Immune System Zone
Throughout all the frantic chats, clever questions, insightful comments and corny jokes, one thing has been clear: so many of you are fascinated by science. Don’t lose that passion! Society needs your curiosity, creativity and imagination. I’d be delighted if just one of my answers has encouraged someone to keep working hard at science. It gets (even) better after school: I promise!
Tim Duckenfield, University of Warwick, Space Data Zone
Wow, what a mad fact-filled two weeks it has been, even more so because you crazy people voted for me to win! I’m a Scientist has been like a comet – dazzling, eye-opening and over far too quickly…Having the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for the madness and mystery of science has been a lot of fun, and seeing that enthusiasm echoed by students, teachers, parents and fellow scientists has been great.
Sophie Williams, University of York, Americium Zone
Getting comments like “thanks to you I like science a little bit more” and that “you found the answers to your question really useful” made every minute I put into the competition worth it.
So finally, I guess again I just want to say a big thanks to you guys, I hope I made you realise that not all scientists are scary men dressed in lab coats and just with a tiny bit of hard work and interest you can follow your dreams.
Jacque Cilliers, Onyvax Ltd., Curium Zone
Wow… I’m so blown away! Thanks for all the votes… I never win anything! I’m still smiling! You guys have been SO cool, creative and curious… and the questions! I’ve never sat down to wonder if a fish ever gets thirsty! I mean, I know all living organisms need water, but how do you drink when you’re surrounded by it!
Neil Keddie, University of St Andrews, Molecule Zone
This was a completely new way of doing outreach for me (I usually come and visit a small number of schools each year in person). I loved how easy it was for you guys to ask me questions from all over Scotland, and how we could all chat without having to travel anywhere. Please don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy coming to visit schools, however, our jobs don’t allow us a lot of time to do this, so being able to speak to so many of you without having to leave the lab (and take time off work) was amazing.
Jennifer Paxton, University of Edinburgh, Enquiry Zone
The biggest thanks must go to the students. Thank you all so much for your fascinating questions, your enthusiasm for science and for making the chats so much fun. It was so much fun talking to you all and I hope I’ve inspired some of you to think about a career in science! I’ve had a wonderful time on ‘I’m a Scientist, get me out of here’ and I feel very privileged to have won both zones I’ve taken part in. I’m especially looking forward to working with you on our anatomy project and I’m very excited to see what we come up with!
If you’re up for the challenge, want to answer some downright weird questions, even learn things from students…
I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here runs every March, June, and November. It only takes 2 minutes and one sentence to apply!
