In 2025, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) funded the I’m a… Programme (IAP) 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:
- 41 RSC-funded scientists were given access
- An additional 44 RSC members took part funded by other partners
- RSC-funded scientists took part in 281 Chats
- We estimate that more than 6,000 students from 163 schools took part in Chats with RSC-funded scientists
- 76% of participating schools were priority schools
- Taking part has a positive impact on scientists
- 70% reported increased skills communicating with lay audiences
- 67% reported increased confidence in, and 63% enthusiasm for communicating with lay audiences
- 68% reported increased interest in future public engagement activities
- 96% of scientists and 94% of teachers would recommend the activity
- Taking part supports students’ science capital and provides opportunities for whole-class engagement
“I love the I’m a… Programme. It’s so engaging and you get some really interesting questions from the students that sometimes make me question how I look at things too.” – Alana, Scientist
“…having a range of professionals with different jobs and different backgrounds for students to chat to is so valuable. The format makes it easy for any student no matter how quiet to ask questions.” – Maria, Teacher
