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researchinsch.bsky.social
The Institute for Research in Schools
@researchinsch.bsky.social
34 followers 17 following 54 posts
We want to change the culture in UK education so that every young person experiences real research.
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researchinsch.bsky.social
School research that opens doors.🚪

Dhara Mistry took part in our Ionic Liquids project while at Dixons Sixth Form Academy in Bradford. She is now working as an apprentice in Laboratory Sciences at Unilever, and we invited her to join our guest panel at the Manchester conference last year.
A panel discussion taking place on stage at a conference. Two women are holding microphones, one speaking to the audience while the other listens attentively.
February 5, 2026 at 5:15 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
We asked students and teachers about the impact of IRIS projects on students’ transferable skills like listening, speaking and problem solving.

🫶 85% of students said they got better at sharing ideas with others
💪 87% of students said research can be hard work but is rewarding
Impact Report 2025 - Building Skills "I learned a lot from completing an IRIS project, not restricted to science-specific skills such as research, referencing and technical skills, but extending to more general skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving." Female student, Year 10 87% of students said that research can be hard work but is rewarding. "If you have someone beside you, a whole group, you're going to enjoy it" Grace, student. Canon Slade CoFE School
February 2, 2026 at 6:07 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Authentic research with real impact.

In 2024, the British Antarctic Survey found 4 new penguin colonies using a method inspired by students from Stirling High, lighting up penguin poo in satellite images. Their work - and new research by students in Cornwall - is helping track penguin colony size.
2019 Scottish high school students work on creating new code to make penguin poo light up in satellite imagery 2020 British Antarctic Survey discovers 11 new emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica. 2023 One more emperor penguin colony found, bringing the total to 62 known colonies. 2024 Four new previously unknown emperor penguin colonies found.
January 26, 2026 at 5:48 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
We asked students and teachers about the impact of our Research and Innovation Framework pilot project:

🧬 "Anyone can do science and be a scientist" ⬆7%
👨‍🔬 "People like me work in STEM" ⬆14%
🚏 "I know more about the different routes into a STEM career" ⬆23%
Impact Report 2025: R&I Framework All students said: "Anyone can do science and be a scientist" Baseline: 64.7% End of project: 71.8% Rise of 7.1% Female students said: "I know about the different routes into a STEM career" Baseline: 37% agreed End of project: 60% agreed Rise of 23.2% "What I've seen in the last four to five months is a different approach to what [students] want out of life. School has become less of a burden and more of an adventure, and that's coming through in their attitude to STEM in particular." Head of Science, participating pilot school.
January 23, 2026 at 4:51 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
🧪 Definition: Authentic science

Authentic science means giving students experiences that feel like 'real science', and mirror the work carried out by scientists. When students do research that feels authentic, they can see themselves as scientists and develop an identity in the world of science.
Glossary definition: authentic science Authentic science means giving students experiences that feel like 'real science', and mirror the work carried out by scientists. When students get involved in research that feels authentic, they’re more likely to see themselves as scientists and develop an identity that connects with the world of science.
January 15, 2026 at 4:52 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Dr Jo Foster, Director of IRIS, is leading a panel with Prof Louise Archer, @ucl.ac.uk and Dr @aimafidon.bsky.social, CEO Stemettes, on working together to improve science education at @theASE today.

STEM needs a reset - how do we make science equitable & engaging for all?

#ASEConf2026
Dr Jo Foster, Director of IRIS
January 10, 2026 at 9:15 AM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Anne O’Leary & Kelly Murfet share practical ways to support students doing real research and help teachers deliver with confidence at the #ASEConf2026 in Nottingham today.

Let’s keep building a culture of research in schools
Anne O'Leary, Regional School Engagement Lead Kelly Murfet, Head of Engagement
January 10, 2026 at 8:39 AM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Welcome back and happy 2026 🎉 We’re looking ahead to conference season already! If you are interested in bringing students to conference please register for a project by Friday 30 January.
Student standing at conference speaking into a microphone amongst a seated audience
January 5, 2026 at 8:49 AM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Wishing all our partners, supporters and friends a very Merry Christmas! See you all in the new year 🎉
December 19, 2025 at 4:16 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Vacancy: Head of Research & Evaluation. Lead research and evaluation on the impact of our work with schools and students.

📍Home-based with occasional UK travel
📌 £52,496, 10% pension, 30 days leave plus public holidays
👇 Apply by 13/01/26, 12 noon:
https://researchinschools.org/current-vacancies/
An image of a woman holding a molecular model, with the text 'Join our Team'.
December 17, 2025 at 9:05 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
After taking part in an IRIS student research project...

💡100% of teachers told us their students have a greater understanding of the real-world applications of STEM
🧪 98% of their students are more engaged in STEM subjects
🌏 100% said it increased students' science capital
Impact Report 2025: Student Impact. Featuring an image of a student standing in a crowd asking a question. "Cornwall council wanted to go carbon neutral by 2030. I think these projects that we're doing, that other colleges are doing, are really beneficial towards achieving that goal. Trying to find more sustainable renewable sources to combat climate change is really really cool" Henry, student at Truro and Penwith College After taking part in an IRIS project 77% students said that they are more confident in their abilities in STEM. After taking part in an IRIS project 87% students said that they knew more about how STEM can make a difference to the real world.
December 16, 2025 at 4:14 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
@tiffingirlssch.bsky.social took home the School Impact Award at the IRIS Awards evening for embedding a culture of research. The school ran not one, not two, but seven projects across four subject areas, bringing real research into the hands of over 80 students!

#IRISAwards2025
December 12, 2025 at 3:51 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
We asked teachers who ran IRIS research projects last year what they thought about the experience:

🧬 100% said that doing an IRIS project raised the profile of STEM in school

👩‍🏫 92% told us that the experience enriched their working relationships with their students
Impact Report 2025: Teacher and School Impact. Featuring an image of a teaching talking with students at an event. "It allows you to have a different relationship with students. They have taught me things! I'm not the expect and I like that they can see that." Teacher, participating school 100% of teachers told us that doing an IRIS project helped raise the profile of STEM in school. 92% of teachers told us that doing an IRIS project enriched their working relationships with their students.
December 4, 2025 at 4:51 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
A recent teacher wellbeing index from Education Support revealed that 76% of education staff are stressed and 1 in 3 are at risk of clinical depression. Nearly half say their workplace culture negatively affects their mental health.

#CurriculumReview #STEM #Education #TeacherWellbeing
A magnifying glass enhancing a detailed view of a bee on a lavender flower, with another bee and a field of lavender in the background
November 26, 2025 at 4:11 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Did you know that over 10,000 young people have taken part in an IRIS research project since 2016?

In the past year alone...
🕵️‍♂️1,809 students took part in IRIS projects
🏫 93 schools ran IRIS projects
🙋‍♀️ 53% students who took part were female

#ImpactReport2025 #IRISProjects
Impact Report 2025 Overview - Our Reach, featuring an image of two students smiling and talking Since 2016 nearly 10,000 students have taken part in IRIS research This past year, 3% of students who took part were female A quote from Blossom, a student from Liverpool Life Sciences UTC: "It's nice to think that even at our age we're making a difference to something that has a real impact. It gives a real powerful feeling instead of just something made up... it's something real, it's something that's actually doing something in the world."
November 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
During @senseaboutsci.bsky.social #EvidenceWeek we presented data on how a research-driven approach to STEM education can impact students’ skills, confidence and knowledge of the careers open to them.

Thank you to all the MPs and peers who we spoke to us on the day.
Members of IRIS speaking with Ian Sollom MP at Parliament Jo Foster speaking with Lord Willets at Parliament Members of IRIS posing for a photo with Nigel Huddleston MP in Parliament Members of IRIS speaking with Steve Race MP in Parliament
November 20, 2025 at 3:50 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Taking home the Best Research Skills Award at the #IRISAwards2025 was Woodford County High School for Girls for their excellent use of research skills as they carried out their project.

Learn about all our winners and nominees https://researchinschools.org/iris-awards-2025/ 🏆

#BestResearchSkills
November 18, 2025 at 3:56 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
In our Impact Report 2025, we outline the effect student-led research has on the young people that take part. We are now seeking funders and partners to work towards bringing the benefits of authentic research to all young people.

Join us in building the case for change.
Impact Report Overview 2025, with an image of two students smiling and conversing at an IRIS event. "We are now seeking funders and partners. Join us in building the case for change". Quote by Dr Jo Foster, Director of IRIS An image with the following text: It's been an exciting year for IRIS. Our student-led research projects are well established, giving young people meaningful opportunities to conduct real research year after year, and once again, we're delighted to share the results with you. An image with the following text: With curriculum and assessment undergoing reform, there is a rare opportunity to make lasting change. We know that student-led research should be part of this change, and this report shows why.
November 13, 2025 at 3:51 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
We will continue to work alongside teachers, researchers and policymakers to ensure that real research opportunities are not an optional extra, but an integral part of a modern, world-class education.

Full statement: https://researchinschools.org/curriculum-and-assessment-review/
Inside a speech bubble the words: Our response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review. The background image is Big Ben.
November 10, 2025 at 3:48 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
We’ve in Westminster for #EvidenceWeek to deliver our policy brief: school students doing real research - data on how it affects STEM careers prospects. It's great to be here, especially on the same day as the #CurriculumReview @senseaboutsci.bsky.social
The IRIS team pose for a selfie with Big Ben in the background Information and reports set up for Evidence Week
November 5, 2025 at 10:34 AM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Our Positive Impact award went to Callington Community College for two fantastic student-led projects.

Learn about all our winners and nominees: https://researchinschools.org/iris-awards-2025/ 🏆

#IRISAwards2025 #PositiveImpact
November 3, 2025 at 6:48 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Georgie and Anne are speaking at STEM North Online 2025, hosted by @ThinkUHI for the Highlands and Islands Strategic STEM Partnership.

They’ll share why embedding research and innovation in education boosts science capital, confidence and career aspirations.
Georgie Lott - Head of Education Innovation Anne O'Leary - Regional School Engagement Lead Science Capital: Science capital refers to all the science-related knowledge, attitudes, experiences and resources that a person accumulates throughout their life.
October 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
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Victoria from The King’s Academy won Outstanding Teacher at the IRIS Awards 🏆

Learn about all our winners and nominees https://researchinschools.org/iris-awards-2025/ 🏆

#IRISAwards2025 #OutstandingTeacher
October 27, 2025 at 6:51 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Since 2016 we have provided opportunities for thousands of young people to take part in real research and witnessed the transformative effect it can have on their lives. Catch up on the incredible progress so far in this year's #ImpactReport2025.

⭐️ https://researchinschools.org/impact-reports/
October 23, 2025 at 3:55 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
#IRISAwards2025 winners🏆👏

Best Key Stage 3 Research Project goes to St Wilfrid’s Catholic High School and Sixth Form College for their work on our newest project, Elephants on the Move.

Learn about all our winners and nominees https://researchinschools.org/iris-awards-2025/ 🏆
A group of students and teachers posing with an award in front of a navy backdrop with the IRIS logo at an Awards Evening.
October 22, 2025 at 7:22 PM