In 2024, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) directly part-funded I’m a Scientist (IAS) to engage students with the chemical sciences.
This report is a summary of the activity, interactions and impact of the RSC-funded scientists, with additional details of activity of RSC members who took part under other funding.
Summary:
- 44 RSC-funded scientists actively took part in 2024
- 47 additional RSC members took part under other funding
- RSC-funded scientists took part in 274 Chats
- We estimate that more than 5,000 students from 160 schools took part in Chats with RSC-funded scientists
- 76% of participating schools were priority schools
- Taking part has a positive impact on scientists
- 77% reported an increased interest in taking part in future public engagement activities
- 62% reported increased enthusiasm for communicating with lay audiences
- 61% reported increased skills in communicating with lay audiences
- 92% of scientists would recommend the activity
- 89% of scientists reported that the activity met with, or exceeded their expectations
- Taking part supports students’ science capital and provides opportunities for whole class engagement
“I love this activity because of how simple yet effective it is. We are answering questions directly, we are talking to students that want to communicate and I think this is very interactive and different.” – Konstantina, Scientist
“Class loved the session. They thought it was extremely worthwhile and felt that it gave them good insight and was a great opportunity to speak to real scientists.” – Teacher
