Researchers in Residence - 10 Most Recently Updated Pages

Resources

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:01:38 +0100

Here at Researchers in Residence we want you to get a feel of what a placement is like, whether

you are a researcher or a host teacher opening up your school and classroom.

The links to the right of this page showcase previous placements and cover the viewpoints, experiences

and benefits for researcher and teacher alike.

Want to hear researcher and teacher experiences first hand?

Below we feature two podcasts so you can listen to researchers and teachersthat have experienced
placements first hand and to give you a feel of how Researchers in Residence placements operate
(Podcasts courtesy of the University of Edinburgh).

PODCAST 1: Biomimetics project

This Natural History Museum inspired project looked to search for biological material and turn naturally occurring structures into man-made inventions. This cross-curricular project covered ecological survey, electron microsroscopy and through various sessions covered subjects as diverse as D&T, IT and art and english.

PODCAST 2: Murder scene project

GCSE students turn detective at St Christopher's School where researchers from Manchester University set up a realistic murder scene to learn about forensic science.

RinR Leaflet

Promotional leaflet containing general information about the scheme, benefits to all parties and details on how to apply.

RinR Briefing

Briefing document detailing the aims of the scheme, benefits to participants and how to apply.

RinR Summary slide

Powerpoint slide covering the salient points of the scheme.

(For use in HE/PE presentations to scheel students/researchers.)

RinR webimage

Help spread awareness of RinR by using the button below on your websites or newsletters to link to www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk

Home

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:09:19 +0100

Engaging tomorrow's talent today

Researchers in Residence (RinR), funded by RCUK with support from the Wellcome Trust, brings together researchers, young people and teachers via exciting and innovative placements in secondary schools and colleges across the UK.

RinR enriches the classroom experience, engages young people with real-life research and gives researchers the opportunity to develop new skills. RinR benefits everyone involved.

Open to all secondary schools and colleges in the UK.

Open to all PhD and post doctoral researchers funded directly or indirectly by one of the seven UK Research Councils or the Wellcome Trust.

Got a question? Call us on 0845 365 7470

FAQs

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:00:46 +0100

How do I apply?

To apply just complete the online application form. We will endeavour to create a placement that matches the needs of both you and the school/college.

Am I eligible to take part?

Researchers in Residence is open to all PhD and post doctoral researchers funded directly or indirectly by one of the seven UK Research Councils or the Wellcome Trust.

I have a disability, can I still be a Researcher in Residence?

Researchers in Residence is open to all PhD and post doctoral researchers irrespective of disability. To make sure your placement works our Regional Coordinators will work with you to find a school or college that suits your needs.

Can I apply to work with a specific school?

Yes. You may have a preference to undertake your placement in a specialist school, choose to return to your former school/college, or choose a school/college close to your University. Just let us know on your application form.

If you don’t have a school in mind, our Regional Coordinators will work with you to make sure your placement fits with your preference.

Do I get paid as part of Researchers in Residence?

Researchers in Residence contributes to your travel and subsistence costs up to a maximum amount. This is normally £70 (to include both training and placement travel and subsistence), but we may be able to pay more for some placements. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis so please discuss with your regional co-ordinator if you require more than £70. We may also be able to give a higher travel and subsistence allowance to Researchers in Northern Ireland.

How much planning and preparation does a placement involve?

This depends on the nature of your project, but the more you put in, the more you and the young people you work with will get out it. You’ll have a better feel for what is required once you have spoken with the teacher where you are placed.

To help you, Researchers in Residence will be able to provide support to assist you in developing your project.

How long is the placement?

Placements take place over a single academic year. How you use your time will vary from an intense week in school or college to a number of visits such as 8 half day or 4 full day visits. The key is to suit the needs of both yourself and the school.

I have no experience of working in schools. Can I still take part?

Yes. Your contribution will help to make school science more relevant and exciting for young people.

What support is available to me?

Researchers in Residence provides the necessary training, information and support material to make your placement a success, including professional science communication training.

How much involvement will be provided by teachers?

This depends on the nature of the project you choose. You’ll have a better feel for what is required once you have spoken with the teacher where you are placed, it may be that you work alongside the teacher in lessons or conduct a standalone project with a small group of students. However, the more you put into the placement the more you and the young people you work with will get out of it.

During the development of your project and placement we at Researchers in Residence will provide support to assist you in developing your project. If you have any queries or concerns please call us 0845 365 7470.

When do placements start?

Placements can be arranged to start at any time during the academic year.

How long does the application process take?

Typically you will be able to start your placement three months after your initial application. We understand that fieldwork and other pressures can mean you can’t start at certain times of the year. We will work around this with you to find a placement that suits you.

What age range of children will I be working with?

Researchers in Residence is aimed at young people aged between 11 and 19.

Who’s responsibility is it to arrange a placement?

Researchers in Residence will match you with a suitable school or college. Once the placement is arranged it will be up to you to contact the classroom teacher and discuss how to undertake your placement. Researchers in Residence will provide support to help you.

Get Involved

Apply now or for more information call us on 0845 365 7470.

Case studies

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:43:21 +0100

The following case study gives an overview of a recently completed Researchers in Residence placement, detailing how the project came about, what was involved and the benefits to all parties involved. The case study includes perspectives from both the placement teacher and researcher in residence on how the project turned out and their advice to prospective schools, colleges and researchers considering embarking on a placement.

Design inspired by nature

Sherfield School Biomimmetics Project

Food, catalysts and the ‘perfect bar of chocolate’

The Ridgeway School

Slime mould and DNA analysis: the myth surrounding cellular behaviour

Stanwell School Placement

Embryology & computer science: unravelling the science behind both

Thomas Hardye School Case Study

Researcher profiles

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:50:44 +0100

The following profiles showcase examples of completed Researcher in Residence placements. They describe first-hand, researchers experiences including the process of getting organised for the school/college visit, what they did, how they engaged with students and what they got out of it.

	Submarine research goes down well with school students Clare Woulds (NERC)
	Ecology & biospheres: establishing sustainability in school Cerys Ponting
	Speech deconstuction: an examination of modern day politics Jack Holland
	Psychology & human behaviour Alana James
	Rocks & fossils: tracking the history of climate change Hilary Bishop

	Brain games & neuroscience: examining perceptions in class Tamsin Langley
	Taking structural biology into the classroom Alex Lawson
	Atom splitting at school Jad Marrouche
	Chemistry & healthcare: a strange alchemy Rachel Bridson

News

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:24:54 +0100

Researchers in Residence gets the Green Flag

School scheme can boost proposal quality

Establishing links with local schools can benefit research grant proposal scoring, according to a nationwide school placement scheme, funded by RCUK.

The scheme, Researchers in Residence provides free, expert training and places early-career stage researchers in host secondary schools, where they get the opportunity to engage 11-19 year olds about their work. Activities include running practical demonstrations, presentations or university tours.

Participating researchers can demonstrate on-going or planned arrangements for promoting the public understanding of science. Importantly, assessors take this into consideration when reviewing and scoring research grant proposals.

Open to PhD students and post docs, Researchers in Residence also helps develop teaching and communication skills both of which are impressive abilities on any ambitious academics’ CV.

School placements are flexible and can be organised around lab and field work. Each placement is expected to require researchers to commit 14 to 24 hours of student contact time.

To participate researchers should visit www.researchersinresidence.ac.uk or call 0845 365 7470.

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Researcher training event dates for 2010:

5th July 2010 - West Midlands - (venue The Studio, Birmingham)

26th July 2010 - North West - (venue The Studio, Manchester)

02/06/10 - Researcher training event dates for 2010:

18 June 2010 - East Midlands - (venue The Studio, Birmingham)

06/05/10 - Researcher training event dates for 2010:

19 May 2010 - Scotland - (venue Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh)

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11/02/10 - Researcher training event dates for 2010:

30 March 2010 - SW/Wales - (venue @ Bristol Harbourside)

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21/12/2009

New researcher profiles available

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09/12/2009

Workshop opportunity in France for Researchers in Residence

The British Council in France is looking for active STEM researchers with experience in outreach to run a series of workshops in French high schools next year.

You would be expected to run a 2 hour workshop, in English to classes of 14+ year old pupils learning science in English ("Sections européennes" classes) using enjoyable and stimulating methods and learning processes.

The British Council has no particular preference in terms of the science field that is used; last year they worked with a team at the University of Bristol (Bristol Chemlabs) and found that chemistry was a good medium through which to provide stimulating visual and scientific demonstrations.

Researchers with experience in science communication/outreach work as well as being a diverse team in terms of gender, age, ethnicity would be of particular interest to the British Council.

Why?
The aim of the project is to bring the pupils into contact with successful role models from the research world with whom they can easily identify, in order to encourage young people from ethnic minorities in particular to engage in scientific studies and careers.

When?
Visits need to be undertaken before March 2010 (for financial reasons). A maximum of two schools per day will be visited for a period of five consecutive days.

Where?
Visits will take place in one French local educational authority (Académie de Lille, in the north of France), according to a list of schools chosen by the French Ministry of Education.

How?
Travel, accommodation and transportation of materials costs for the UK team can be covered by the British Council France.

To register your interest contact Sarah Bagshaw by Tuesday 15 December.
Tel : +33 1 49 55 73 43

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29/09/09 - Follow Researchers in Residence on Twitter.

What's involved?

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:33:56 +0100

Each placement ranges from 14 to 24 hours of student contact time over an academic year and can vary from an intense week in school or college to a number of visits such as 8 half day or 4 full day visits spread over an academic year, depending on your needs and that of the researcher. Numerous placements can be organised.

The researcher will devise dynamic, exciting and interesting ways to utilise their time spent with your students to maximise the quality of learning students take away from the experience. The researcher will work with you to plan a project or deliver a series of activities that will engage students in a particular project or topic related to the curriculum and the researchers field of study and/or subject(s) covered by your school/college. The researcher might spend time with small groups working on a particular project, assist in practical lessons, or even lead demonstrations and give presentations about their own research and make curriculum science both relevant and exciting.

Why should I get involved?

Ever thought what it would be like to have access to researchers at the cutting edge of today’s research willing to come into your classroom and motivate and inspire your students? Whether it’s the practical aspects of doing scientific experiments, debating the different perspectives on Romeo and Juliet, or just understanding what researchers do, Researchers in Residence can bring new faces and new ways of teaching the curriculum into the classroom, exposing young people to contemporary research, new concepts and exciting career options.

Through Researchers in Residence this ‘in the classroom’ support is available for you. A flexible and easy to apply to scheme, once your online application has been received, our Regional Coordinators will endeavour to find you a researcher that matches your needs.

Hands on experience

Bridge the gap between theory and work-in-practice by exposing students to new concepts and real-life investigations across a range of subject areas.

Through the Scheme your students will gain access to current industry resources and materials not normally accessible to secondary school level institutions or FE colleges. You too, can access new and innovative teaching materials.

Inspire and motivate

Inspire your students to explore new ways of learning by exposing them to fresh ideas and concepts. Provide them with new experiences they can refer to in future lessons, extending the knowledge gained from the placement over the long-term.

Commenting on their experiences of the scheme, a teacher from a Southeast school commented: “I learnt a lot. [The Researcher] is an expert and it was good personal development for me, and interesting to see her deliver. She has raised the bar and did it at a high level. It opened my eyes to ideas that the students understand and has impacted on their and my understanding. We will incorporate the ideas and tasks in our practice. I have learned and gained confidence as my knowledge has been reaffirmed.”

Role models and myth busting

Make science an attractive career option by showcasing research and how it relates and benefits the world in which we live .

Flexibility

Typical waiting times range between three and six months from your application submission to the researcher starting their placement. This is often because of prior commitments of both researcher and school/college, and the time required to plan an effective placement. The quicker you apply the sooner we can organise a placement to suit you.

Get involved

Apply today or for more information call us on 0845 365 7470.

Contact us

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:43:47 +0100

For further information contact:

Researchers in Residence
AEA
B329 Harwell
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 0QJ

T: 0845 365 7470

E: enquiries@researchersinresidence.ac.uk

FAQs

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:08:41 +0100

What’s expected from the participating school or FE college?

The school/college will need to complete the online application form. Once you have been matched with a suitable Researcher they will contact you and you’ll need to discuss and agree the project and how you want to arrange the visits i.e. an intense week of support to a small group or a number of half day visits over a number of weeks.

Is there a fee to join the programme?

No, involvement in Researchers in Residence is free.

What topics will the Researchers cover?

Researchers in Residence is funded by all major Research Councils and so covers all research subjects including social, physical, life and earth sciences as well as the arts and humanities.

Will the Researcher’s lesson be linked to the curriculum?

Yes. Placements aim to add value to the learning experience. The Researchers input aims to add to what teachers’ are already doing.

What support is there for schools or FE college?

Our Regional Co-ordinators will work to match you with an appropriate researcher and our network of STEMnet advisers will be available to provide advice and guidance. You can also call our helpline (0845 365 7470) with any queries.

How much input will teachers have?

The teacher should discuss the Researcher’s project ideas and tailor them to suit the age group and capability level of students. During the placement we recommend that the teacher works in partnership with researcher to get the best out of the placement.

Can a school take on more than one Researcher?

Yes.

Who’s responsibility is it to arrange a placement?

Researchers in Residence will match you with a suitable researchers. Once the placement is arranged it will be up to the researcher to contact the classroom teacher and discuss how to undertake your placement and project. Researchers in Residence will provide support to help you.

What student age range is eligible to participate?

Students aged 11-19 are eligible to participate in Researchers in Residence.

How do I know the researcher is suitable?

Researchers in Residence will match you with a suitable Researcher. We will have met them face-to-face and vetted out any unsuitable candidates.

Training and support

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:50:40 +0100

Researchers in Residence will supply you with the necessary training and information and support material to make the placement a success and work with you to help find you a suitable placement.

The Scheme also involves a one-day training session for you, covering approaches to effective communication and pupil engagement and the do’s and don’ts in the classroom. During the session you’ll also be given advice on the types of activities past researchers have used to engage young people. You’ll be able to discuss the kind of situations you may encounter during your own placement with the training providers and Regional Coordinators present. Further information on what happens next is also provided.

“The training was good, the emphasis of explaining things in layman’s terms was good in terms of communicating to different audiences."

Researcher training event dates for 2010 (click on the links for further details of the venue):

30 March 2010 - SW/Wales - (venue @ Bristol Harbourside)

30th April 2010 - West Midlands - (venue The Studio, Birmingham)

19th May 2010 - Scotland - (venue Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh)

18th June 2010 - West Midlands - (venue The Studio, Birmingham)

5th July 2010 - West Midlands - (venue The Studio, Birmingham)

26th July 2010 - North West - (venue The Studio, Manchester)

Get involved

Apply today or for more information call us on 0845 365 7470.

Researchers in Residence - 10 Most Recently Updated Pages

Resources

Want to hear researcher and teacher experiences first hand?

PODCAST 1: Biomimetics project

PODCAST 2: Murder scene project

RinR Leaflet

RinR Briefing

RinR Summary slide

RinR webimage

Home

Engaging tomorrow's talent today

FAQs

How do I apply?

Am I eligible to take part?

I have a disability, can I still be a Researcher in Residence?

Can I apply to work with a specific school?

Do I get paid as part of Researchers in Residence?

How much planning and preparation does a placement involve?

How long is the placement?

I have no experience of working in schools. Can I still take part?

What support is available to me?

How much involvement will be provided by teachers?

When do placements start?

How long does the application process take?

What age range of children will I be working with?

Who’s responsibility is it to arrange a placement?

Get Involved

Case studies

Design inspired by nature

Sherfield School Biomimmetics Project

Food, catalysts and the ‘perfect bar of chocolate’

The Ridgeway School

Slime mould and DNA analysis: the myth surrounding cellular behaviour

Stanwell School Placement

Embryology & computer science: unravelling the science behind both

Thomas Hardye School Case Study

Researcher profiles

Submarine research goes down well with school students

Clare Woulds (NERC)

Ecology & biospheres: establishing sustainability in school

Cerys Ponting

Speech deconstuction: an examination of modern day politics

Jack Holland

Psychology & human behaviour

Alana James

Rocks & fossils: tracking the history of climate change

Hilary Bishop

Brain games & neuroscience: examining perceptions in class

Tamsin Langley

Taking structural biology into the classroom

Alex Lawson

Atom splitting at school

Jad Marrouche

Chemistry & healthcare: a strange alchemy

Rachel Bridson

News

Researchers in Residence gets the Green Flag

School scheme can boost proposal quality

===============================================================

Researcher training event dates for 2010:

02/06/10 - Researcher training event dates for 2010:

06/05/10 - Researcher training event dates for 2010:

===============================================================

11/02/10 - Researcher training event dates for 2010:

===============================================================

21/12/2009

New researcher profiles available

================================================================

09/12/2009

Workshop opportunity in France for Researchers in Residence

The British Council in France is looking for active STEM researchers with experience in outreach to run a series of workshops in French high schools next year.

========================================================================================

29/09/09 - Follow Researchers in Residence on Twitter.

What's involved?

Why should I get involved?

Hands on experience

Inspire and motivate

Role models and myth busting

Flexibility

Get involved

Brain games & neuroscience:
examining perceptions in class

Taking structural biology
into the classroom