Young Researcher Zone

The Young Researcher 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 Researcher Zone 2023

Ten secondary schools attended the 2023 Summer Science Exhibition and presented their Partnership Grant projects to the public as part of the Young Researcher Zone. The schools attending were: Berkshire College of Agriculture, Bilborough College, George Stephenson High School, King Edward VI Grammar School, Morgan Academy, Moulton School and Science College, Northfleet Technology College, Ribblesdale High School, The Island Free School and Tynecastle High School.

“Visiting the Royal Society and giving my students the opportunity to have this unique experience has been such a privilege. It has easily been the highlight of my career and I know that myself and my students will be talking about this for a long time to come. The Royal Society made our students feel like a valuable part of the exhibition and the Science community.” – Teacher

Each school created a poster summarising their project investigation and developed engaging hands-on activities 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 to 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 world’s oldest national scientific society.

“The chance to develop so many highly transferable and employability skills in your students, meeting so many great people and having such a lot of fun. The event itself is wonderful and there is so much to see and do when not on the stand. All the costs were met by the Royal Society so we were able to bring some students who would never normally be able to experience such a trip, and the Royal Society staff are amazing and so supportive!” – Teacher

You can watch a summary of the zone featured in the Summer Science Live catch up (from 51:30) or read about the Tynecastle High School project.

Selected photos from the event can be found below.

Summer Science Exhibition Young Researcher Zone 2023 during a soiree

Young Researcher Zone exhibitor talking to guests

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 email from the Schools Engagement team during the autumn term.

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