Young researchers zone

The Young researchers zone is an opportunity for schools to engage the general public with the STEM research being conducted across the UK via the Partnership Grants scheme including Tomorrow's climate scientists. The projects showcased in the Zone at the Summer Science Exhibition are featured alongside other exhibits from a range of institutions, sharing the cutting edge research being undertaken by their STEM professionals.

Summer Science Exhibition signs outside of the Royal Society in London

Young researchers zone 2022

13 secondary level schools attended the 2022 Summer Science Exhibition and presented their Partnership Grant projects to the public as part of the first Young researchers zone. The schools attending were: Beaulieu Convent School, Bolton School, Bourne Community College, Corbridge Middle School, Gladesmore Community School, Holly Lodge Girls' College, Horizon Community College, Kelso High School, Lady Eleanor Holles School, Matthew Arnold School, Moulton Secondary School and Science College, Ribblesdale High School, St Thomas of Aquin's High School.

"I really believe that bringing my pupils to the Young researchers zone in 2022 was probably the pinnacle of my career. Where I can go that is more impressive, more unique or more of an experience for my students, I just can't say!" - Teacher

Each school created a poster summarising their project investigation and an engaging hands-on activity to demonstrate a core process or skill used within the investigation. The students were able to share more about their project process and the unique experiences they had working with their STEM partner whilst talking the visitors in person. Through participation in the Zone, the students developed their communication skills (specifically with the public and VIP audiences) and gained the experience of being part of a high profile scientific exhibition at the home of the worlds oldest national scientific society.

"For students to talk to Fellows about their research and for these Fellows to be genuinely excited, is incredibly motivating for students." - Teacher

You can watch a summary of the zone featured in the Summer Science Live catch up (1:05:00) or short videos of some of the projects featured in 2022 via the links below:

St Thomas of Aquin's High School: Are the sequences of the chloroplast genomes of the daffodil cultivars Ornatus and Empress different?
Bolton School: What impact do disposable contact lenses have on the environment?
Bourne Community College: How can data logged from flight be analysed to improve performance?
Kelso High School: Can bee metrics be used to predict colony health? (part of a collaborative project)
Ribblesdale High School: How do trees affect our climate and air quality?

Selected photos from the event can be found below.

Students exhibiting in the Young researchers zone on just one day of the Exhibition

Student presenting their work at the Young Researchers Zone 2022

Students sharing their research at the Summer Science Exhibition evening Soiree

How to get involved

The Summer Science Exhibition takes place every year at the start of July. The call for Partnership Grant holders to express their interest in taking part will be sent out via direct email from the Schools Engagement team, usually around the winter break.

If you would like to register your interest in advance, please contact the Schools Engagement Team.