Category Archives: Zone Reports

Genes Zone Report – March 2018

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The Genes Zone was a themed zone supported by Wellcome. Yinka is studying the DNA of cows in Africa to improve the amount of milk they can produce, Stéphane is researching the effect different lifestyles have on human sperm quality and Matt is a bioinformatician making pictures to explain patterns in gut microbes. Juhi is a PhD student researching genetic causes of pregnancy complications, Gemma teaches NHS staff about genetics and how it can help them provide better care for patients and David, the winner of this zone, is a postdoctoral research fellow studying the genetics of depression.

Students were very engaged with the zone theme and over 50% of questions in ASK were about science topics, relating to all things genetics. The scientists were great at explaining things in a way students could understand and often provided videos and links to support their answers.

Posted on April 17, 2018 modmichaela in 2018, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Genes Zone Report – March 2018

Immune System Zone Report – March 2018

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The Immune System Zone was supported by Wellcome. Sian is researching new medicines through microbial fermentation, Max (the winner of this zone) is a PhD student using gene editing to understand how white blood cells cause cancer and Lizzie works with biotech companies to help them communicate information about diseases to doctors. Francis is a post-doctoral researcher finding out how we can use a patient’s immune cells to fight cancer, Ben works in an immunology lab finding new ways to help people with arthritis and Ashlea is a PhD student studying how the immune system works and how it can go wrong.

This zone had the highest number of questions asked (897) and approved (489) out of all the zones in March’s event, with students engaging well with the topic and wanting to find out more about the scientists’ work. There was an even mix of questions about science topics, how science works and careers.

Posted on April 17, 2018 modmichaela in 2018, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Immune System Zone Report – March 2018

Space Data Zone Report – March 2018

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The Space Data Zone was funded by the UK Space Agency. Tim, the winner of this zone, is a PhD student investigating waves that happen over and inside the sun, Stephen is using space telescopes to find out how the first stars formed and Sammie is using data from satellites to work out how much sea ice is in the Arctic. Rachel is looking water supply in the environment using information from satellites, Mark is a PhD student studying the most ancient light in the universe and Lisa uses radars, cameras and rockets to find out how the magnetic fields of the Sun and the Earth interact.

Students in this zone engaged really well with the zone theme, with lots of interest in space and the work of the scientists. Lisa took part in the event from where she lives and works in Svalbard, and students were interested in what it was like to live there.

Posted on April 17, 2018 modmichaela in 2018, UKSA, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Space Data Zone Report – March 2018

Americium Zone Report – March 2018

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The Americium Zone was a general science zone supported by Wellcome, with six scientists all working in different areas. Walaa is a PhD student studying bee behaviour, Sophie, the winner of the zone, is a PhD student looking at human impact on the climate and Sarah is an air quality specialist predicting future air quality levels. Gabriel is a biomedical scientist working with doctors to find out which patients need a pacemaker, Breandan is a Geohazard Specialist working out where it is safe to build on a seabed and Adam is working on a new vaccine for malaria.

This zone had the highest number of students logging in – over 600 – out off all the zones this March. Sophie, the winner of this zone, accounted for 64% of all live chat lines throughout the two weeks.

Posted on April 17, 2018 modmichaela in 2018, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Americium Zone Report – March 2018

Curium Zone Report – March 2018

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The Curium Zone was a general science zone supported by Wellcome, with six scientists all working in different areas. Matthew works for the Institute of Cancer research detecting cancer in blood, Kezia is a PhD student developing new solar cells and Jacque, the winner of this zone, is researching ways to increase the yields of nematodes to control insects on crops. Hazel is a geologist researching how people think and talk about geology, Fiona is a PhD student in mathematical biology finding out how our immune system can fight cancer and Daniel is a director of an environmental planning consultancy providing soil science advice.

The Curium Zone was quiet with a below average number of students logging in. This zone had a huge range of questions asked and 94% of students logged in were active in ASK, Chat or Vote – higher than the average for March’s zones.

Posted on April 17, 2018 modmichaela in 2018, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Curium Zone Report – March 2018

Molecule Zone Report – March 2018

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The Molecule Zone was a chemistry themed zone funded by ScotCHEM to provide places for schools in remote parts of Scotland and the north of England. Seven scientists took part from the seven major Chemistry research universities in Scotland. Shuo is a PhD student creating artificial human tissue, Neil (the winner of the zone) is a teaching fellow and researcher creating new functional molecules, Martin is an Astrochemist looking at how molecules control the universe and Leonie is a PhD student finding cheaper ways to create new compounds that can be used in medicine. Lauren is finding new ways to tackle diseases, Ciorsdaidh is a lecturer in organic chemistry who specialises in cancer research and Alan uses catalysts to make chemicals in an environmentally friendly way.

This was a quiet zone compared to the rest of the zones in March, with a lower than average number of students logging in (318). This could be because school sizes are generally smaller in remote areas, resulting in a smaller number of students in a class. There was also disruption for many schools in the area due to heavy snowfall the week before the event.

Posted on April 17, 2018 modmichaela in 2018, ScotCHEM, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Molecule Zone Report – March 2018

CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2017 Zone Report

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The CHRISTMAS LECTURES Zone of I’m a Scientist was commissioned by The Royal Institution with support from Lloyd’s Register Foundation. The online event allowed school students, the viewing public and Lecture attendees to continue the conversation about the Royal Institution’s CHRISTMAS LECTURES, ‘The Language of Life’ and its theme of communication. The Royal Institution wanted to create a focus for the online discussion and during the planning stages, the topic of Privacy was identified as a pertinent topic within the wider theme of communication. A Privacy Debate Kit was also developed and sent to teachers participating in the zone to use as part of this activity. The Kit structures a class debate around the question “Should mobile phones be always listening?”

The 18 experts online included the 2017 Christmas Lecturer, Professor Sophie Scott, along with others from the CHRISTMAS LECTURES team and other communication and privacy experts. Sophie’s presence on the site was great, answering 42 questions in ASK across the four weeks. Attendees at the filming of the Lectures could submit written questions to the site using question cards and have answers from experts emailed to them. A total of 18 audience members submitted questions using these cards. Overall the Zone was focused around the themes of privacy and communication, the Lectures themselves and the work of each expert. A number of classes had taken part in a privacy debate before their live chat which was evident from the privacy-related questions posed to the experts. The school students taking part were on topic in live chats with experts and in the ASK section.

School uptake for this event was much higher than the previous year with 898 registered school users from 36 schools in 2017-18. 11 of those schools were under-served (distant), 7 were widening participation and 3 were outside the UK.

Posted on February 28, 2018 modkatie in 2017 | Comments Off on CHRISTMAS LECTURES 2017 Zone Report

25 Genomes Zone Report

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25 Genomes was funded by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute as part of their 25th Anniversary celebrations. In 2018, the Institute is going to decode the DNA of 25 UK species for the first time, five of which have been decided by the 25 Genomes public vote.

Over five weeks, scientists and wildlife experts championed species they thought deserved to have their entire DNA decoded. They competed for votes across five Zones from school students and the public, and answered questions about everything to do with their species and genome sequencing. A variety of different scientists took part, including some working at the Sanger Institute, scientists from the Natural History Museum, PhD researchers and conservation workers. Some species were championed by teams, such as the Asian Hornet whose team consisted of experts in the UK, France and Italy.

Schools all over the UK were involved, as well as schools in Ireland, Europe and the USA. Around 2,000 students took part in nearly 120 Live Chats with the Species Champions, as well as sending them 600 questions in the ASK section. As well as students, over 3,000 members of the public logged in to have their say, and many Species Champions campaigned for their species online resulting in Zones with a high number of public users. We also ran two drop-in Live Chats open for the public. In total, there were nearly 5,000 votes.

Posted on December 21, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, Sanger Institute, Zone Reports | Comments Off on 25 Genomes Zone Report

Cells Zone Report – November 2017

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The Cells Zone was a themed Zone, funded by Wellcome, with six scientists for students to meet. Tom is a PhD student studying how white blood cells fight bacteria in our lungs, Paul is a research fellow studying how egg cells and embryos grow and Natasha is looking into how to use a patient’s own cells to kill their cancer. Ildiko is a lecturer in cell biology and genomics, Ester is studying how cells work together in the gut when we are healthy, and how this is altered when we get sick, and Eoin is a research fellow trying to understand how to treat our immune system when it’s not working properly.

Conversations in the Cells Zone were on topic, with students really interested in the scientists’ research areas as well working as a scientist. All of the scientists were great at explaining their work as well as the more complicated aspects of cell biology. Natasha was the winning scientist in this Zone and was also the most active, making up almost 50% of all Live Chat lines from scientists.

Posted on December 15, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Cells Zone Report – November 2017

Gravity Zone Report – November 2017

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The Gravity Zone was a themed zone, funded by the Institute of Physics. In this zone, students met five scientists including Scott, a PhD student researching theoretical physics and Ryan, who is studying explosions caused by black holes and neutron stars. Maggie is a researcher at the European Space Agency mapping out dark matter, Hannah is a PhD student studying gravitational waves and black holes and Daniel studies the data from gravitational wave detectors and simulations.

Students in this Zone were very engaged with theme of gravity and space in general, with a mix of both factual and conceptual questions. All of the scientists were great at explaining sometimes quite complicated topics in a way that younger students could understand, especially within the fast paced Live Chats. The topic seemed to really capture the students’ imaginations and the Chats were lively with lots of positive reactions from students about what they had learnt.

Posted on December 15, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, IOP, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Gravity Zone Report – November 2017

Microbiology Zone Report – November 2017

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The Microbiology Zone was a themed Zone, jointly funded by the Society for Applied Microbiology and Wellcome. Lea is a PhD student researching how soil animals can help us produce environmentally friendly food, Emma is studying a particular bacteria that is infecting hospital patients with Cystic Fibrosis and Christopher works for a food safety company working to find new ways to treat diseases. Ash is a PhD student looking at the differences between the causes of Tuberculosis in humans and cows, Ananthi (the winner in this Zone) is studying alternative treatments to replace antibiotics and Aaron is working on ways to produce energy from grass using microorganisms.

This was a busy Zone, with a higher than average number of questions and Live Chats in comparison to the other Zones in November’s I’m a Scientist event. Questions in this Zone were balanced, with an even mix of interest in the theme, science in general, careers and the scientists’ personal lives. Lots of students were interested in the theme of microbiology with questions about bacteria and antibiotic resistance, as well as the research of the scientists.

Posted on December 15, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Microbiology Zone Report – November 2017

Stress Zone Report – November 2017

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The Stress Zone is a themed zone funded by the Physiological Society, with five scientists studying different areas of stress and how it affects us. Livia is studying how we can prevent and treat mental illnesses, Laura is a part-time lecturer in physiology researching the bad effects of stress in the workplace and Kirsti is a PhD student studying how stress during pregnancy can affect the development of a baby. Georgina, the winner of the Zone, is researching the hormone cortisol and why it is released into the body when we are stressed and Chris is looking at how extreme environments can affect how humans perform during exercise or cognitive tasks.

This Zone was relatively quiet compared to the other Zones in November’s I’m a Scientist, although it was very on topic with some interesting and well thought out questions from students. There were lots of conversations about how stress can affect the students during exam times, for example, and all the scientists were good at dealing with sensitive subjects such as wellbeing and mental health, often relating their own experiences.

Posted on December 15, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Stress Zone Report – November 2017

Uranium Zone Report – November 2017

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The Uranium Zone was a general science Zone supported by Wellcome, with five scientists working in a variety of areas. Sajid works at QIAGEN developing a test to help HIV patients manage their treatment routines, Katherine uses computer modelling to help the Home Office solve problems affecting our society and Jayne is a Hazard Management Scientist who researches decontaminants for toxic and illicit chemicals. Duncan, the winner of this Zone, is developing better ways of taking pictures inside people’s lungs with fibre optics and Anu is a PhD student researching ways to improve the way we generate energy from renewable sources.

This was a busy Zone with 93% of students active in ASK, CHAT or VOTE and there was a huge variety of questions due to the range of areas the scientists work in and it being a general science Zone. Duncan and Sajid, who came in first and second place respectively, were the most active scientists and between them made up an impressive 84% of all Live Chat lines by scientists.

Posted on December 15, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Uranium Zone Report – November 2017

Neptunium Zone Report – November 2017

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The Neptunium Zone was a general science Zone supported by Wellcome. In this zone students met six scientists, all working in different areas. Yo is a software developer who writes code for experiments within biology and Theo works for a company that makes breath chemical detectors as a scientific writer, explaining to scientists and doctors how to use the technology in their research. Oli, the winner of this Zone, is a PhD student in environmental science studying fossils to work out the history of a threatened forest in Brazil. Nina is a geologist who has studied volcanoes and now researches materials different buildings are made from, Kerrianne is a PhD student making and testing optical fibres and Edward is a research associate in neuroscience looking at how our brain is wired up.

Chats in this Zone were lively with lots of back and forth conversations. The scientists were good at building a rapport with the students and engaging them with their subject areas. For example, after hearing about Oli’s work with plants in a chat a student said ‘I honestly didn’t think plants could be interesting until 10 minutes ago’ and that they had been inspired to study plants in the future.

Posted on December 15, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Neptunium Zone Report – November 2017

Plutonium Zone Report – November 2017

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The Plutonium Zone was a themed Zone supported by Wellcome, specifically for Primary School students. Simonne is a biomedical scientist who tests patients’ blood to help doctors work out which medicine to give them and Senga, the winner of this Zone, is a PhD student researching ways to make plants grow better using DNA from bacteria. Pete works for a drugs company using bacteria to improve their products, James is an archaeologist studying how human brains have evolved and Jake is an applied mathematician looking into why fluid or gasses can change from being smooth to chaotic.

This Zone had a high number of questions from students in Ask about a variety of science topics, as well as the scientists’ work. All the scientists were great at explaining things in simple terms and building up a relationship with the students. Senga often talked about her ‘fake poo’ experiment as which the students found hilarious and were very interested in, and Senga often shared the experiment with teachers after the chat so students could carry it out. Senga also visited one of the schools – Doonfoot Primary – the week after the event to do the experiment with the students.

Posted on December 15, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Plutonium Zone Report – November 2017

Drug Resistance Zone Report – June 2017

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The Drug Resistance Zone was a themed zone funded by Wellcome. Thom is a PhD student researching how bacteria produce drugs and how we can discover new ones, Sanjib is a course director in infectious diseases and also researches tuberculosis and Donna is a lecturer looking at how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. Avril is an antimicrobial pharmacist and Abid is a microbiologist doctor who treats patients with antibiotics.

This zone had the highest number of students logged in out of all the zones in June’s I’m a Scientist (539), 91% of whom were active in ASK, CHAT or VOTE. Scientists in this zone were extremely positive and encouraging towards students which made for some sociable and engaging chats. One chat in particular inspired Avril to change her twitter handle to a name the students had made up for her – ‘Avrilbiotic’.

Students in this zone engaged well with the theme, although often asked questions about illegal drugs, addiction and side effects. The scientists were still happy to answer these questions outside of their research areas as best they could, which was appreciated by the students.

Posted on July 17, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Drug Resistance Zone Report – June 2017

Epidemic Zone Report – June 2017

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The Epidemic Zone was a themed zone funded by Wellcome. Rosie is a Consultant Microbiologist who advises other healthcare professionals about infectious diseases, Liz is a researcher who uses maths to understand more about norovirus and Christl is a Professor of Statistical Epidemiology who uses maths to study the spread of disease. Kevin is a Senior Epidemiologist working on cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine and Beccy is a PhD Student researching how to eradicate whiteflies to prevent the destruction of crops.

Lots of conversations in the zone focussed on the theme, with students showing a strong interest in infectious diseases and how they can be cured.

The scientists were great at interacting with students and a good rapport was built up, with friendly chats and conversations involving multiple scientists and students. The scientists in the zone also built up a good relationship with each other, which reflected positively in the chats. Notably, Rosie and Beccy continued to engage lots with the event even after they had been evicted. Liz, the winner of this zone, attended every single live chat.

Posted on July 17, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Epidemic Zone Report – June 2017

Mental Health Zone Report – June 2017

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The Mental Health Zone was a psychology themed zone funded by the British Psychological Society. Steve is researching how cancer medications affect people to help develop better treatments with less side-effects, Michelle is a postgraduate research student studying the beliefs of people with psychosis and Jermaine, the winner in this zone, is a lecturer of psychology who also researches how working in the public sector can cause mental health problems. Jack is a PhD student studying how sleep disturbances might put people at rise of experiences associated with schizophrenia and Gem works for Cancer Research trying to find the best ways to help people stop smoking.

There were around 16 A Level psychology classes taking part in this zone, so many students had a strong interest and understanding in the subject. This meant many of the live chats were incredibly focussed with informed questions about the psychologists’ research and psychology in general. These smaller A Level class sizes meant that the number of students logged into this zone was lower than the average for this event.

The theme of mental health meant that students often drew upon their own experiences, or those of friends and family, when talking to the psychologists in both ASK and the Live Chats. Michelle also spoke openly about her own experiences with mental health issues, which seemed to aid students’ understanding of the topic and help to diminish negative stigma.

Posted on July 17, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, BPS, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Mental Health Zone Report – June 2017

Relationships Zone Report – June 2017

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The Relationships Zone was a themed psychology zone funded by the British Psychological Society. Sam – the winner in this zone – is studying how the relationships we have with friends and family affect us, Rose researches how reading stories and watching stories on TV can help us understand and interact with people in real life and Maggi is a PhD student studying whether technology influences the relationships children with autism have with other people. Kirsty is studying how teenagers’ social relationships can affect their health and behaviour and Ben is looking at what children think about right or wrong actions.

Around 17 classes in this zone were A Level psychology students, and these smaller class sizes often meant that within Live Chats psychologists were able to spend time writing lengthy answers for students and engaging in really good discussions. The smaller class numbers resulted in a lower than average number of questions asked and students logged in, compared to the other zones in June’s event.

Students in this zone were focussed on the theme of relationships, and psychology in general. Questions were informed and thoughtful, with students asking about the psychologists’ research areas as well as wider discussions about relationships. The psychologists were great at giving detailed answers and looking up things they weren’t sure about to further the discussion, such as in this ASK question, where Rose researches and explains the psychology behind the love triangle in the Twilight books.

Posted on July 17, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, BPS, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Relationships Zone Report – June 2017

Actinium Zone Report – June 2017

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The Actinium Zone was a themed zone funded by Wellcome. Samantha is an Educational Data Scientist analysing data to try and find out how students learn, Matt – the winner of this zone – is a Research Technician studying colorectal cancer and Deborah is working with robots to teach school students healthcare skills. Adele works for an engineering company working out how future buildings and developments could affect the environment and Adam is a postdoctoral research fellow currently studying venomous snakes to make new anti-venoms.

This zone was busy, with a higher than average percentage of active students and questions asked. Chats were often lively and fun, due to the scientists’ ability to easily engage with students. Matt and Adam were especially good at finding common ground with students, sharing jokes and building a rapport. They also made up nearly 75% of all activity by scientists in ASK and the Live Chats.

Students engaged with the work of all five scientists, with Matt, Adam and Deborah’s work being easy to relate to and attracting the most attention.

Posted on July 17, 2017 modmichaela in 2017, Wellcome Trust, Zone Reports | Comments Off on Actinium Zone Report – June 2017

About I’m a Scientist

    I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here is an online event where school students get to meet and interact with scientists. It’s an X Factor-style competition between scientists, where the students are the judges. Students challenge the scientists over intense, fast-paced, online live CHATs. Then they ASK the scientists all the questions they want to, and VOTE for their favourite scientist to win a prize of £500 to communicate their work with the public.  

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