In 2023, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) directly part-funded I’m a Scientist (IAS) to engage students with chemistry. Members of the RSC participated across 10 Zones. This report is a summary of the activity in, and an evaluation of, the impact of those Zones.
Summary:
- We ran 3 RSC funded zones between March and December 2023. Additionally, RSC members took part in a further 7 zones.
- 7,103 students logged in across the 9 zones
- 2,386 students logged in to the 3 RSC funded zones, with 91% actively engaged through joining a chat, asking a follow up question, posting a comment, or casting a vote
- 196 unique schools took part in chats
- 70% of participating schools were priority schools
- 68 RSC members took part
- 52 members took part in 3 RSC funded zones
- An additional 16 RSC members took part in other zones during 2023
- RSC members represented a wide range of backgrounds and routes into chemistry
- RSC members took part in 243 chats
- RSC members contributed 234.5 hours interaction in chats
- Taking part has a positive impact on scientists
- 78% report an increase in communication skills
- 75% report an increase in enthusiasm for public engagement
- 82% report increased interest in taking part in future public engagement activities
- Scientists report that the platform reduces barriers to engagement, and provides opportunities for flexible and high quality engagement
“It was different [to other public engagement activities] because I usually take part in person so the chat format was new and interesting. It was more comfortable for the students to ask their questions and enabled greater focus.“
Dr Maryam Sani, Molecule Zone
