From January 2024, you can take part in the online STEM outreach activity I’m a Scientist across the year.
Teachers and students will be able to connect with you at the time that is most relevant to their learning – so when a class studies genetics in October, teachers can request a Chat with geneticists and technicians working with DNA in October.
Instead of being assigned a Zone, you’ll take part within themes of your choosing. These themes will loosely represent what students will ask you about in your live Chat, but they’ll also ask you general questions about STEM careers, your own job history, and your interests outside of work.
You’ll retain control over your availability. Block off days when you can’t take part, set the number of chats you can manage per week – we’ll arrange the rest.
How will the new I’m a Scientist work?
- Sign up to take part. Look out for an email this October from us.
- Choose the themes relevant to you. Select themes from our list that fit with your past and present experience. For example, if you studied veterinary science and now work in research, you might choose to chat with students about Cells, Animals and Animal Behaviour, and about general science during British Science Week.
- Fill out your profile. Your profile is the students’ first point of contact with you – keep yours up to date.
- Let us know your availability. Use the availability calendar to manage your Chats. You can opt to do as much or as little as you like, though we hope you’ll spend an average of 90 minutes a month taking part.
- Join a Chat. Connect with a class from anywhere in the UK to discuss your work in a 30-minute, text-based Chat.
- Answer students’ follow-up questions in Ask. After your live Chat, students will send you questions that you can answer in more depth.
- Compete to win I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here! Throughout the academic term, students will be voting for their favourite scientists. The winner will receive £500.
Who can apply?
All professionals working in fields related to STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) are welcome to apply.
- You could be working in industry, academia or the public sector
- You could be a technician, an apprentice, or in roles like comms or management
- If in academia you’ll need to be a PhD Student or beyond
Apply to take part ❯
