We want to change the culture in education so that every young person experiences authentic research and innovation while at school.
Our Vision
Watch and discover
IRIS
In numbers
10%of UK secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges have taken part in IRIS projects
7,700Students carried out research projects with IRIS since 2016
89%of teachers said that working with IRIS increased students’ science capital
3/4of teachers saw an increase in enthusiasm and motivation for science in their students through IRIS projects
6/8Helps schools to meet 6 of the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks
89%Of IRIS students attend state-funded schools or colleges (2022-23)
Our charity:
- Provides opportunities for young people in the UK, aged 11-18, to participate in cutting-edge STEM research and collaborate with leading universities and institutions while still at school.
- Empowers schools to make research and innovation part of their culture
- Works with others to put research in schools on the national agenda
Our moral purpose is to capture talent and break down barriers that impact underrepresented young people in STEM.
Why research is important
Young people can make valuable contributions to the scientific community if included in the culture of research. Furthermore, the research experience can enrich their education for the following reasons:
- Allows them to experience a subject beyond the curriculum and see how theories work in practice
- Past students say IRIS piqued their interest in a certain subject – whether it be behavioural science, chemistry or physics – propelling them to pursue their current academic and professional paths.
- Requires students to learn new skills, including data gathering and analysis.
- Develops critical thinking.
- Encourages creativity, rather than accepting the facts what happens if we do this?
- Working with peers develops team working and communications skills and builds self-confidence.
Aspects of science can benefit from people thinking freely, laterally and outside the box. Teenagers are free thinkers, and when given
responsibility, they rise to
it in an inspiring way