Research in Schools

Do you have a great idea for research that requires microscopic investigations? Apply by 1 May to borrow a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thanks to @Hitachi_EM, @RoyalMicroSoc, @OxInst, @ArmourerBrasier, @QuekettMicro and @TonbridgeUK for this incredible opportunity.

Student-led research builds skills for life. Our skills tracker shows technical and transferable skills that students can gain in each project, including problem solving and creativity.👇 researchinschools.org/skills-tracker…

Read more in our skills blog: researchinschools.org/building-skill…

Student-led research builds skills for life. We surveyed students after they had completed a project 📘 89.2% improvement in research skills 📝 Speaking (84.6%), listening (84%) and creativity (79.6%) skills 📈 Huge increase in adapting, leadership and teamwork #BuildingSkills

We all start out as scientists. @BritSciAssoc asks “Curiosity: what’s your question?” When young people have the chance to take part in authentic research they gain confidence, problem-solving skills, and see themselves as scientists. Let's encourage bold questions. #BSW26!

Something else? We’re always happy to share ideas. Please send us a direct message and we’ll get you to the right person.

Talk to us about these resources as we perfect them: email info@researchinschools.org or reach out to your existing contact at IRIS.

Using our expertise and own research on what works in the classroom, we are developing new free resources that teachers can use to put research into practice in any school, with any group of students in the UK, regardless of starting point. #Education #STEM #ScienceTeacher

Students explore local biodiversity in our Wild Things project, from encouraging new bird species to planting flora, making an immediate difference to their school grounds. Bring wildlife research into your classroom 👇 🌿 researchinschools.org/projects/wild-… #WorldWildlifeDay

We want to change the culture of UK education so that every young person can take part in authentic research in school. In 2026, we’re continuing our work with schools and partners to make it a reality. Let’s make it happen. #STEM #ResearchinSchools #STEMEducation

Student-led research brings fresh ideas and perspectives to challenges in the real world. Interested in partnering with us, or working on something you think students would like to get involved in? Get in touch! 👇 researchinschools.org/get-involved/ #Education #Research #STEM

This week we ran a masterclass for our latest pilot project: Multi-Messenger. Partnered with @portsmouthuni and @GOTOObservatory, students will explore multi-messenger astronomy, a field that combines electromagnetic observations with data from gravitational wave detectors.

When students take part in real research they build stronger, more positive connections to STEM.

School research that opens doors.🚪 Dhara Mistry took part in our Ionic Liquids project while at @DixonsSixth in Bradford. She's now working as an apprentice in Laboratory Sciences at @UnileverUKI, and was invited to join our guest panel at the Manchester conference last year.

We asked students and teachers about the impact of IRIS projects on students’ transferable skills like listening, speaking and problem solving. 🫶 85% of students said they got better at sharing ideas with others 💪 87% of students said research can be hard work but is rewarding

Authentic research with real impact. In 2024 @BAS_News found 4 new penguin colonies using a method inspired by students at Stirling High, lighting up penguin poo in satellite images. Their work - and new research by students in Cornwall - is helping track penguin colony size.

We asked students and teachers about the impact of our Research and Innovation Framework pilot project: 🧬 "Anyone can do science and be a scientist" ⬆7% 👨‍🔬 "People like me work in STEM" ⬆14% 🚏 "I know more about the different routes into a STEM career" ⬆23%

Textiles built Bradford. Students are helping build a more sustainable future. Every year, 92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced globally. At Dixons Sixth Form Academy, students tested ionic liquids in dissolving fibres to recover dyes from wool, helping reduce waste.

🧪 Definition: Authentic science Authentic science means giving students experiences that feel like 'real science', and mirror the work carried out by scientists. When students get involved in research that feels authentic, they're more likely to see themselves as scientists.