About I’m a Scientist
I’m a Scientist is an online, student-led. science engagement activity where school students connect with working scientists.
- Students receive support for their Science Capital.
- Scientists report improved communication skills and understanding of the principles of public engagement.
Impact on students
I’m a Scientist engages all students. It supports their Science Capital through showing STEM to be personally relevant to students lives; eliciting and valuing students’ questions and experiences, and providing support for building dimensions of science capital.
IAS can play an important role in helping young people see that science just might be ‘for me’. This, in turn, can contribute to nurturing science aspirations. Read more about student impact…
Impact on scientists
Online public engagement helps bridge the divide between institutions and schools– and it’s not only school students who benefit.
“I didn’t really know much about public engagement before taking part… I’m a Scientist really inspired me to get involved with more!”
– Suzi, PhD researcher
IAS is a low pressure space for researchers to ‘dip their toes’ into public engagement. Seeing students’ enthusiasm for their work gives researchers the confidence and motivation to do more outreach.Those with less previous experience increase their public engagement activities by 130% in the year following IAS. Read more about scientist impact…