Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) works to reduce the environmental footprint and increase the economic impact of aquaculture. Connecting businesses and academics, we fund and support commercially relevant, collaborative research. We also fund university places and run tailored training programmes.
Lantra Scotland offers training, qualifications and skills needed to succeed in land-based, aquaculture and environmental sector. They share career opportunities in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Environmental Conservation, Equine, Game and Wildlife, Horticulture, Land-based Engineering, Rural Skills and Trees and Timber, including Modern Apprenticeships.
In November 2023, Lantra Scotland funded the Marine Zone.
The British Psychological Society
The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK, and is responsible for the promotion of excellence and ethical practice in the science, education, and practical applications of the discipline.
BPS supports and enhances the development and application of psychology for the greater public good, setting high standards for research, education, and knowledge, and disseminating our knowledge to increase the wider public awareness of psychology and its importance. The BPS has provided funding for multiple Zones each year.
In November 2023, the BPS funded the Psychology Zone. They have also funded the March and June Psychology Zones.
Genetics Society
The Genetics Society, dedicated to promoting research, training, teaching and public engagement in all areas of Genetics.
Founded as a Learned Society in 1919, our membership includes most of the UK’s active professional geneticists, and is open globally to anyone with an interest in genetics.
STEM Learning‘s commitment to STEM education is part of everything they do. With I’m a Scientist, STEM Learning can bring role models to schools as part of the STEM Ambassador Programme. In 2023 they funded the Health Zone (March and June/July), Physics Zone, Plant Zone and the Research and Innovation Zone.
Frontiers for Young Minds
Frontiers for Young Minds is a scientific journal that brings cutting-edge research to young readers. It features articles written by scientists and reviewed by both scientists and young people. They are funding the Frontiers for Young Minds Zone, which will bring video Chats with the authors of the articles into classrooms.
Johnson Matthey
Johnson Matthey are global leaders in sustainable technologies, applying cutting-edge science to create solutions that make a real difference to the world. They are developing solutions to help transport, energy, and chemical production move towards a circularity economy.
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant science, genetics and microbiology. Fostering a creative, curiosity-driven approach to fundamental questions in bio-science, with a view to translating that into societal benefits. They funded the Plant Zone in 2023.
Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry is the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. Supported by a worldwide network of members and an international publishing business, their activities span education, conferences, science policy and the promotion of chemistry to the public.
The RSC are providing joint funding for the Plastic Zone in October 2022, alongside UKRI.
They also funded the Molecule Zone in March 2022, alongside ScotCHEM, and in addition, are providing funding for the June 2023 Cancer Zone.
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
The UKRI Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) mission is to deliver world-leading national and international research and innovation capabilities and, through those, discover the secrets of the Universe. Our major research and innovation campuses at Harwell, Daresbury and research facilities across the UK support fundamental research in astronomy, physics and space science. They are funding the CERN Zone.
ScotCHEM is a strategic collaboration of 7 Scottish university chemistry departments: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt, St Andrews, and Strathclyde. ScotCHEM promotes international research excellence, networking, training and knowledge exchange for Scottish Chemistry. They funded the Molecule Zone.
The Royal Institution
The Royal Institution is an independent charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. The Ri have been supporting I’m a Scientist since 2013.
In January 2023, The RI funded the Forensics Zone based on the series of three lectures given by The Royal Institution at Christmas. the Christmas Lectures.
Oxford Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division
The Oxford MPLS Division is home to the mathematical, physical, engineering and life sciences at Oxford. Their academic departments regularly appear at the highest levels in world rankings and have been evaluated as conducting world-leading and internationally excellent research in UK research assessments. They are funding the Physics Zone.
Great Science Share
The Great Science Share for Schools is the award-winning campaign that invites 5-14 year olds to share their own scientific questions and investigations, to raise the profile of science in schools and communities, and to be inspired into science and engineering.
Themed activities and lessons are brought to teachers and educators, to inspire you to ask, investigate and share scientific questions you’re curious about.
The Great Science Share is funding the Great Science Share Zone from Feb to March and also provided joint funding for the previous Zone in May 2022, alongside RSC.
UK Space Agency
The UK Space Agency is responsible for all strategic decisions on the UK civil space programme and provide a clear, single voice for UK space ambitions.
A key goal in the current UK space strategy is to increase awareness among the general public of the UK’s space programme and of the role that space plays in everyday life.
The STFC, part of UK Research and Innovation, keeps the UK at the forefront of international science. STFC draws on many aspects of science and engineering, working with academia and industry to share its expertise in materials science, space and ground-based astronomy technologies, laser science, microelectronics, wafer scale manufacturing, particle and nuclear physics, alternative energy production, radio communications and radar.
The STFC are currently supporting I’m a Scientist for over 2 years through a Legacy Award. This includes support for the Helium Zone in March 2022.
URKI convenes, catalyses and invests in close collaboration with others to build a thriving, inclusive research and innovation system. In 101 Jobs That Change the World, students learn about the variety of careers in research and innovation, beyond scientists in white lab coats.
In 2021/22, UKRI funded 101Jobs where students can see the collaborative nature of modern research and how a diverse range of people are essential to drive progress.
Johnson Matthey
Johnson Matthey are global leaders in sustainable technologies, applying cutting-edge science to create solutions that make a real difference to the world. They are developing solutions to help transport, energy, and chemical production move towards a circularity economy.
In 2022, Johnson Matthey funded several Zones including two in the US. In the US the Clean World Zone that ran from January to February and the Healthy World Zone from February to March. In the UK the Healthy World Zone ran from March to April.
In 2021/22, Johnson Matthey funded the Clean World Zone in November 2021.
The Royal Institution is an independent charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. The Ri have been supporting I’m a Scientist since 2013.
The South West Nuclear Hub at the University of Bristol
The South West Nuclear Hub at the University of Bristol provides a focus for civil nuclear research, innovation and skills in the South West of the UK, bringing together a strategic alliance of academic, industrial and governmental members.
In terms of education, the Hub aims to ensure that the South West of the UK is an internationally recognised centre of skills provision in an area of strategic importance to the UK, with higher-level skills training undertaken by Universities in the Hub connected to vocational education through the National College for Nuclear.
In the academic year 2021/22, the South West Nuclear Hub at the University of Bristol funded the Nuclear Zone in December 2021.
The British Psychological Society
The British Psychological Society (BPS) is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK, and is responsible for the promotion of excellence and ethical practice in the science, education, and practical applications of the discipline.
BPS supports and enhances the development and application of psychology for the greater public good, setting high standards for research, education, and knowledge, and disseminating our knowledge to increase the wider public awareness of psychology and its importance. The BPS has provided funding for multiple Zones each year.
The Faraday Institution is the UK’s independent institute for electrochemical energy storage research, skills development, market analysis, and early-stage commercialisation. It brings together research scientists and industry partners on projects with commercial potential that will reduce battery cost, weight, and volume; improve performance and reliability, and develop whole-life strategies including recycling and reuse.
In 2021/22 The Faraday Institution joint funded the Battery Zone in October 2021, alongside the Royal Society of Chemistry. This was the first activity funded by The Faraday Institution.
FUTURES
FUTURES is a public engagement collaboration between the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, University of Bristol, University of Exeter and University of Plymouth, which celebrates European Researchers’ Night.
FUTURES aims to engage a wide range of people from the South West of England with research and innovation and showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In 2021/22, FUTURES2021 funded the FUTURES Zone in October 2020.
Previously FUTURES2020 funded the FUTURES Zone in November 2020.
Royal Society of Chemistry
The Royal Society of Chemistry is the largest organisation in Europe for advancing the chemical sciences. Supported by a worldwide network of members and an international publishing business, their activities span education, conferences, science policy and the promotion of chemistry to the public.
In the UK, the RSC is the largest non-governmental supporter of UK chemistry education. Their activities encompass formal and informal education from primary through to Higher Education levels and they are committed to providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for those teaching chemistry. They work closely with the government and other organisations on issues which may impact on science education and encourage initiatives to attract students to the chemical sciences from all parts of society and raise awareness of potential careers with chemistry.
In 2021/22, the RSC are providing funding as part of a long term agreement. This includes joint funding the Battery Zone in October 2021, alongside The Faraday Institution.
The first was the Health Zone in November 2020 which was joint funded by the British Society for Immunology. The second was the Molecule Zone in March 2021, which was joint funded by ScotCHEM.
ScotCHEM is a strategic collaboration of 7 Scottish university chemistry departments: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot-Watt, St Andrews, and Strathclyde. ScotCHEM promotes international research excellence, networking, training and knowledge exchange for Scottish Chemistry.
ScotCHEM research ensures industry has access to world leading capabilities and thought leadership. ScotCHEM produces a pool of outstanding graduates capable of taking on tomorrow’s challenges. Their work spans diverse fields ranging from fundamental studies, to applied science and engineering.
ScotCHEM is joint funding the Molecule Zone in March 2021, alongside the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The STFC, part of UK Research and Innovation, keeps the UK at the forefront of international science. STFC draws on many aspects of science and engineering, working with academia and industry to share its expertise in materials science, space and ground-based astronomy technologies, laser science, microelectronics, wafer scale manufacturing, particle and nuclear physics, alternative energy production, radio communications and radar.
STFC research addresses topics as fundamental as: The birth of the universe to the solar system we live in, Understanding how the heavy elements are formed in the violent explosions of stars, Is it possible to complete or go beyond the ‘Standard Model’, for example using what we’re learning about the recently discovered Higgs particle.
Previous Zones supported by STFC during this funding period:
Nuclear Zone in December 2021, alongside the South West Nuclear Hub.
The South West Nuclear Hub is helping to realise the zero-carbon economy of the future, by providing a focus for civil nuclear research, innovation and skills in the South West of the UK. It brings together a strategic alliance of academic, industrial and governmental members.
In 2021/22 The South West Nuclear Hub is joint funding the Nuclear Zone in December 2021, alongside the Science and Technologies Facilities Council. This is the first activity funded by The South West Nuclear Hub.
The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics at the University of Oxford
The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, extends the understanding of how our genetic inheritance makes us who we are. The Centre looks across all three billion letters of the human genetic code, to discover how our genes increase or decrease our risk of falling ill. The Centre is an international leader in genetics, genomics and structural biology.
In 2021/22 The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics are funding the the Genetics Zone in November 2021. This is the first activity funded by The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics.
The Wellcome Sanger Institute
The Wellcome Sanger Institute is a world leader in genome research and aims to deliver new insights into human and pathogen biology that change the course of biology and medicine. It was the UK home for the Human Genome Project – which revealed the entire DNA code of human life.
The institute’s The Darwin Tree of Life project aims to sequence the genomes of all 70,000 species of animal, plant, and fungi in Britain and Ireland. It is a collaboration between biodiversity, genomics and analysis partners that hopes to transform the way biology, conservation and biotechnology are done.
Previously Wellcome Sanger funded the 25 Genomes Zones in November 2017. This was in celebration of the institute’s 25th anniversary, which saw the DNA of 25 UK species decoded for the first time. The public voted for 5 of those species through I’m a Scientist. Teams of scientists and wildlife experts championed species they believed should be sequenced across 5 different Zones: the Cryptic Zone, the Dangerous Zone, the Floundering Zone, the Flourishing Zone, and the Iconic Zone.
I’m a Scientist was part-funded through a Sustaining Excellence Award from the Wellcome Trust, the UK’s largest charity. Wellcome are dedicated to achieving extraordinary improvements in human and animal health. They support the brightest minds in biomedical research and the medical humanities. Wellcome’s public engagement grants are intended to promote interest, excitement and debate around science and society. Wellcome provided £550,000 over five years to support the event.
The British Society for Immunology
The British Society for Immunology (BSI) is one of the oldest, largest, and most active, immunology societies in the world and is the largest in Europe. Their mission is to promote excellence in immunological research, scholarship and clinical practice in order to improve human and animal health.
The BSI was founded in 1956 by a small group of hard working, visionary immunologists, who wanted to come together to share ideas. Today, members work throughout the entire immunology chain, stretching from the laboratory bench right through to the clinics and hospitals in which patients are treated – from discovery to delivery. The fields in which they work are wide and extensive, from HIV/AIDS to allergy, diabetes, malaria, TB, animal health, arthritis, transplantation, vaccination and infectious disease.
In November 2020 the BSI part funded the Health Zone, alongside the Royal Society of Chemistry. This is the first time the BSI have funded I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here.
The Medical Research Council
The Medical Research Council (MRC) improves the health of people in the UK – and around the world – by supporting excellent science, and training the very best scientists. The MRC invests in research on behalf of the UK tax payer.
For over a hundred years, MRC-funded scientists have been making life-changing discoveries, including the structure of DNA, the lethal link between smoking and cancer and the development of a group of antibodies used in making some of the most successful drugs ever developed. Today MRC scientists tackle some of the greatest problems facing humanity in the 21st century, such as dementia and antibiotic resistance.
The Ogden Trust supports schools, projects, and programmes that are committed to enhancing physics teaching and learning. Established by Sir Peter Ogden in 1999, the charitable trust exists to promote the teaching and learning of physics.
The Ogden Trust enables innovative physics teaching to take place in, and collaboratively between, schools, often forging links to universities. The Trust supports teacher CPD and addresses the shortage of physics teachers in the UK by funding programmes that encourage young graduates to go into teaching. The Trust also aims to increase participation in physics for under-represented groups.
The Ogden Trust funded the Physics Zone in November 2020.
SfAM is the oldest microbiology society in the UK, serving microbiologists around the world. As the voice of applied microbiology, SfAM works to advance, for the benefit of the public, the science of microbiology in its application to the environment, human and animal health, agriculture, and industry.
SfAM works in collaboration with other organizations to ensure evidence based policy making and, in partnership with Wiley, publishes five internationally acclaimed journals. Value for money and a modern, innovative and progressive outlook are the Society’s core principles. A friendly society, SfAM values integrity, honesty, and respect, and seeks to promote excellence and professionalism and to inspire the next generation of microbiologists
The Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine
IPEM is the Learned Society and professional organisation for physicists, clinical and biomedical engineers and technologists working in medicine and biology.
Healthcare is one of the most useful areas you can apply physics and engineering to and the NHS is the largest employer of scientists in the UK. Physics and engineering principles have contributed to the development of every single medical device that is used in hospitals from simple blood-pressure monitors to sophisticated MRI machines.
The Microbiology Society is a membership charity for scientists interested in microbes, their effects, and their practical uses. It is one of the largest microbiology societies in Europe with a worldwide membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, research institutes, and schools. Members have a unique depth and breadth of knowledge about the discipline. The Society’s role is to help unlock and harness the potential of that knowledge.
The Microbiology Society is committed to supporting and encouraging the teaching and learning of microbiology at all levels as well as career progression. They offer grants to support microbiology teaching initiatives, events, and prizes to encourage excellence in the study of microbiology at undergraduate level. Funds are also available for members of the Society who are keen to run and participate in microbiology-related outreach activities with a view to increasing public engagement.
The Microbiology Society is funding Microbes Zone in November 2019.
The Institute of Physics
The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific membership society working to advance physics for the benefit of all. They have a worldwide membership from enthusiastic amateurs to those at the top of their fields in academia, business, education and government.
Their purpose is to gather, inspire, guide, represent and celebrate all who share a passion for physics. And, in their role as a charity, we’re here to ensure that physics delivers on its exceptional potential to benefit society.
Alongside professional support for our members, they engage with policymakers and the public to increase awareness and understanding of the value that physics holds for all of us.
This year the Institute of Physics are funding Big Data Zone in November 2019 and Time Zone in March 2019. They previously funded many zones including the Gravity Zone in November 2017.
Education Scotland
Education Scotland is a Scottish Government executive agency charged with supporting quality and improvement in Scottish education and thereby securing the delivery of better learning experiences and outcomes for Scottish learners of all ages.
Education Scotland are funding the Subject Knowledge Zone through the Enhancing Professional Learning in STEM Regional and National Partner Fund 2019/20. This funding provides opportunities for Scottish teachers to engage in live chats with STEM professionals between November 2019 and March 2020.
Wellcome Genome Campus
The Wellcome Genome Campus is home to some of the world’s foremost institutes and organisations in genomics and computational biology, committed to delivering life-changing science with the reach, scale, and imagination to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges. The Public Engagement Team – part of Connecting Science – at the Wellcome Genome Campus supports sharing and discussion of the pioneering science that takes place on the Campus. We do this through a range of live and digital experiences working with collaborators across research, education and culture.
Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement is funding the Subject Knowledge Zone. This funding provides opportunities for UK teachers to engage in live chats with professionals working in the field of Genomics between November 2019 and March 2020.
The Physiological Society promotes physiology and supports those working in the field by organising world-class scientific meetings, offering grants for research, collaboration and international travel, and by publishing the latest developments in leading scientific journals.
The Society also runs events for the general public on how physiology relates to everyday life, and for students who may be considering physiology as a career.
The UK Space Agency is responsible for all strategic decisions on the UK civil space programme and provide a clear, single voice for UK space ambitions.
A key goal in the current UK space strategy is to increase awareness among the general public of the UK’s space programme and of the role that space plays in everyday life.
The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) is an academic society that promotes the study of animal behaviour by holding conferences, funding research and publishing Animal Behaviour, the leading international scientific journal in its field. ASAB care about animals and their Ethical Committee promotes the ethical treatment and conservation of animals.
ASAB encourages the teaching of animal behaviour in schools through our Education Committee. The Committee provides free teaching resources and offer funding to teachers keen to develop new resources. The ASAB Education Officer visits schools to give talks about animal behaviour, and our committee members are always on hand to advise on scientific research methods and the behaviour of animals.
I want to find out about funding I’m a Scientist ❯
What is I’m a Scientist?
I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here is an online activity where school students get to meet and interact with scientists.
It’s a 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.
