The Institute for Research in Schools
@researchinsch.bsky.social
We want to change the culture in UK education so that every young person experiences real research.
When students take part in real research they build stronger, more positive connections to STEM.
February 10, 2026 at 5:08 PM
When students take part in real research they build stronger, more positive connections to STEM.
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.
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.
February 5, 2026 at 5:15 PM
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.
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.
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
🫶 85% of students said they got better at sharing ideas with others
💪 87% of students said research can be hard work but is rewarding
February 2, 2026 at 6:07 PM
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
🫶 85% of students said they got better at sharing ideas with others
💪 87% of students said research can be hard work but is rewarding
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.
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.
January 26, 2026 at 5:48 PM
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.
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.
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%
🧬 "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%
!["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.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:odbgj235zihtkdttqernrvdg/bafkreihebq6e72une55wnorxoqz3a52op4hs2oepyhtod4vibamd6bwhny@jpeg)
January 23, 2026 at 4:51 PM
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%
🧬 "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%
🧪 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.
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.
January 15, 2026 at 4:52 PM
🧪 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.
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.
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
STEM needs a reset - how do we make science equitable & engaging for all?
#ASEConf2026
January 10, 2026 at 9:15 AM
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
STEM needs a reset - how do we make science equitable & engaging for all?
#ASEConf2026
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
Let’s keep building a culture of research in schools
January 10, 2026 at 8:39 AM
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
Let’s keep building a culture of research in schools
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.
January 5, 2026 at 8:49 AM
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.
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
Wishing all our partners, supporters and friends a very Merry Christmas! See you all in the new year 🎉
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/
📍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/
December 17, 2025 at 9:05 PM
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/
📍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/
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
💡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
December 16, 2025 at 4:14 PM
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
💡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
@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
#IRISAwards2025
December 12, 2025 at 3:51 PM
@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
#IRISAwards2025
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
🧬 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
December 4, 2025 at 4:51 PM
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
🧬 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
IRIS stands ready to help bridge the gap.
November 26, 2025 at 4:17 PM
IRIS stands ready to help bridge the gap.
✨ 2. Data Science and AI – embedding essential skills early is crucial, so these don't become optional add-ons that repeat mistakes of the past.
🌱 3. Enrichment – connecting learning to real-world opportunities is so important for young people, but schools are already under immense pressure.
🌱 3. Enrichment – connecting learning to real-world opportunities is so important for young people, but schools are already under immense pressure.
November 26, 2025 at 4:17 PM
✨ 2. Data Science and AI – embedding essential skills early is crucial, so these don't become optional add-ons that repeat mistakes of the past.
🌱 3. Enrichment – connecting learning to real-world opportunities is so important for young people, but schools are already under immense pressure.
🌱 3. Enrichment – connecting learning to real-world opportunities is so important for young people, but schools are already under immense pressure.
Our response covered three key points of the review.
🧪 1. Triple Science – expanding access and tackling inequality. This needs to be supported by investment in teacher capacity, lab resources and equitable access.
🧪 1. Triple Science – expanding access and tackling inequality. This needs to be supported by investment in teacher capacity, lab resources and equitable access.
November 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Our response covered three key points of the review.
🧪 1. Triple Science – expanding access and tackling inequality. This needs to be supported by investment in teacher capacity, lab resources and equitable access.
🧪 1. Triple Science – expanding access and tackling inequality. This needs to be supported by investment in teacher capacity, lab resources and equitable access.
The Curriculum and Assessment Review offers a strong foundation to start improving the chances of the next generation, but it cannot be successful without supporting those who deliver it.
November 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
The Curriculum and Assessment Review offers a strong foundation to start improving the chances of the next generation, but it cannot be successful without supporting those who deliver it.
If we want every young person to thrive, we must ensure teachers can thrive too. Curriculum reform without additional resourcing and structural support risks adding further strain to an overstretched system.
November 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
If we want every young person to thrive, we must ensure teachers can thrive too. Curriculum reform without additional resourcing and structural support risks adding further strain to an overstretched system.
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
#CurriculumReview #STEM #Education #TeacherWellbeing
November 26, 2025 at 4:11 PM
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
#CurriculumReview #STEM #Education #TeacherWellbeing
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
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
November 25, 2025 at 2:45 PM
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
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
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.
Thank you to all the MPs and peers who we spoke to us on the day.
November 20, 2025 at 3:50 PM
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.
Thank you to all the MPs and peers who we spoke to us on the day.
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
Learn about all our winners and nominees https://researchinschools.org/iris-awards-2025/ 🏆
#BestResearchSkills
November 18, 2025 at 3:56 PM
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
Learn about all our winners and nominees https://researchinschools.org/iris-awards-2025/ 🏆
#BestResearchSkills
Read our Impact Report on our website: researchinschools.org/impact-reports/
Our impact / Institute for Research in Schools
Our Impact Reports demonstrate how we've inspired students and teachers through IRIS research projects in schools.
researchinschools.org
November 13, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Read our Impact Report on our website: researchinschools.org/impact-reports/
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.
Join us in building the case for change.
November 13, 2025 at 3:51 PM
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.
Join us in building the case for change.