Researchers in Residence

Bring the cutting edge of research into your classroom!

Researchers in Residence are a resource available to you to help enrich your classes. They are passionate, young researchers from a diverse range of subjects (including all the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities) who are excited about connecting with young people, sharing their enthusiasm and expertise.

Researchers in Residence allows your students to connect with research and researchers as people - an excellent way of reinforcing positive rolemodels, breaking down negative stereotypes, raising aspirations and motivating students. The partnership between the teacher and research is vital to the success of the Researcher in Residence scheme. It is fair to say we also view this partnership as a key element in the development of the researcher's skills.

Not to forget, it is a nice opportunity for you in terms of your continuing professional development...

"As a teacher advocate for the scheme for over ten years, I would be happy to comment on the amazing difference it has made for me at Lenzie Academy to have had the support of several Researchers in Residence in the past.  They really supported my school science conference programme with its science enterprise activities such as the 'I'm an engineer, I can cope here' team challenges running alongside Project Poster sessions and went on to set up and run 'PESTSARUS' for East Dunbartonshire last session.  Participating schools all requested a repeat this year, several staff were encouraged to try open-ended project work for the first time - the feedback was extremely positive".

Jess Cooke, Physics Department, Lenzie Academy

What do they do?

What the Researchers in Residence actually do in your school is entirely up to you and your researcher (have a look at some of our Researcher in Residence stories ). We know that the needs of teachers differ greatly between schools which is why we have highlighted the importance of the researcher and teacher discussing together the aims and objectives for the placement.

What happens?

We will guide you, and your researcher through the pathway of placements . You will be able to click on each of the stages for further information about that stage.

Click here to go to the Pathway of Placements

What will we do?

Your regional co-ordinator will do their best to partner you with an appropriate researcher who will meet your needs. They will ensure the researchers are trained, ensure they have passed a criminal bureau records check, provide them with support and a selection of materials to help make the placement interactive, dynamic and a success!

What will you do?

Contribute your experience, skills and knowledge to get the best out of your Researcher in Residence and their time with you. In addition there are some practicalities:
1) You will need to gain permission from your school to host a Researcher in Residence.
2) You will need to discuss with the Researcher to decide what activities you would both like to do in your school.
3) Check the risk assessment to make sure it is appropriate for your school.
In all aspects of the scheme your regional co-ordinator is available to you for help, information and support.

A crucial factor - time!

We see it as our job to optimise your time spent with a researcher in residence and ensure that it is not overly costly for you timewise. The placements last between 14 and 24hrs. In some cases the placement is spread over a series of weeks, in others it all happens in one week. This is arranged between you and your researcher. In addition, there will be some time spent in discussion with your Researcher in Residence preparing for the visit.

Our aim is that the placement is excellent value in terms of the effort you as a teacher put in. If we can make it even easier for you please let us know - we would be glad to help.

Sounds like a good opportunity? Follow the link to register your interest in the scheme and join the pathway of placements.