“I much prefer [text] to audiovisual. It feels like we can be more clear, more succinct. I can spend a few seconds restructuring a response and I think I would come across more coherent.” – Scientist
It’s all online and text-based, no audio or video. All you need is an internet connection. You can join in from anywhere – the office, at home, on site, even during the commute.
You connect with students in three ways:
Create a profile for students to explore, to learn about you and your work
Engage them in real-time conversations during live Chats
“It’s flexible, enjoyable, and rewarding. It also makes you think about your work from a completely new perspective.” – Luke, Scientist
Fast-paced, text-based Chats last 30 minutes. They provide an enjoyable, energetic, and immediate connection between you and the students. This is how they look ⬇️
I’m a Scientist offers a simple, low-risk introduction to public engagement. You choose which questions you answer and how you respond. Chats are fully moderated, so there is always someone on hand to make sure everything is running smoothly.
“It’s like bite-sized volunteering I can really tailor to when I have time to engage.” – Georgia, Research Technician
We handle the logistics, so you can join in whenever it suits your schedule.
30-minute Chats generally run between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM. The time commitment is flexible. We don’t expect you to attend every Chat! Let us know when you’re busy and how often you’d like to take part. You’ll only receive invites to Chats taking place on days you’ve told us you’re available.
You can log in to answer students’ follow-up questions at any time. We recommend leaving yourself up to 1 hour to complete your profile.
“You get all the questions as [students] think of them. It is unfiltered and informal which I think feels very comfortable, approachable, and genuine.” – Harriet, Engineer
I’m a Scientist is a student-led activity. This means students ask questions about anything that’s important to them. Respond to the things they really care about, to connect with students rather than talking at them. There could be questions about you, your work, science, or any other topic.
Questions like “Do you play video games?” are important in building rapport and showing students that scientists are ‘normal’ people with similar interests. This is one way the activity supports students’ science capital.
All Chats and follow-up questions are moderated by our Mod Team. They’re there to help and support you throughout the activity, and make sure all interactions are in keeping with our House Rules.
“Besides the prize money, the fact that so many of you voted for me makes me so happy. Now I have proof that it’s not just me who enjoys these Chats!” – Rebecca, Prize Winner
During the activity, students vote for the scientist they think should win £500 for their own public engagement ideas. Each term, the person who receives the most votes is announced as the winner.
The prize money can be spent on school visits, science fair exhibits, videos or podcasts, blogs, arranging class visits to your lab or office… as long as it’s involving people outside of science, it’s a good idea.
“Taking part in both [I’m a Scientist and the Academy] allowed me to engage in active, reflective learning… Learning about science capital has really changed my mindset.” – Katie, Academy Alumnus
The Academy is a short online CPD course that runs alongside the I’m a… activities.
Access is exclusively for STEM professionals taking part in I’m a Scientist and its sister projects. The course gives you the opportunity to reflect on and evidence your public engagementexperience while learning more about the theory behind public engagement practices.
“I would recommend it to everyone, as you might also learn something about yourself along the way!” – Fiona, Public Engagement Officer
Anyone working in a field related to STEMis invited to apply. You could be working in industry, academia, or the public sector. You could be a technician, an apprentice, or in roles like comms or management. Take part to show students the wide range of STEM-related careers out there!
