Let’s change the culture in UK education so that authentic research and innovation is part of every young person’s experience.
IRIS
In numbers
Our Vision
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We’re calling more secondary schools and over 16s to join the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS).
Our charity:
- Provides opportunities for UK secondary students and post-16s to participate in cutting-edge STEM research and collaborate with leading universities and institutions while still at school
- Actively champions the benefit of students carrying out research while at school
- Influences and demonstrates best practice in STEM research and innovation in schools
Everything we do is driven by our moral purpose; to capture talent and break down barriers that impact underrepresented young people in STEM.
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
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 behavioral 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.
They have learnt new skills that most students would not encounter until later on in university and have shown an incredible work ethic.