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researchinsch.bsky.social
The Institute for Research in Schools
@researchinsch.bsky.social
30 followers 17 following 41 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
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
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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
researchinsch.bsky.social
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
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The UK’s future depends on the young people in classrooms today. When students experience real research in school, they discover what STEM can do, opening up opportunities tomorrow.
A female student holding a microphone and speaking in front of an audience of other students, teachers and partners.
October 21, 2025 at 2:57 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Women make up just 26.1% of the UK manufacturing workforce.
Georgie, our Head of Education Innovation, is at the The Ada Lovelace Day breakfast reception today, supported by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Lloyds Banking Group and Manufacturing Technology Centre exploring how to change that.
#STEMCareers
Georgie is stood outside holding the IRIS R&I Framework Pilot Project Report. The London Eye is in the background.
October 14, 2025 at 9:15 AM
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Definition: Investigative Research Projects (IRPs)

These are experiences which aim to be an accurate and authentic portrayal of science. This includes designing a research question, collecting and analysing data as well as reporting results.

#STEM #Education #GlossaryIRIS
Investigative Research Projects, noun An image featuring a person standing in front of a waterfall, with text detailing the program's focus on empowering students to design, collect, and analyse data.
October 13, 2025 at 3:53 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
In our Cosmic Mining project students classify stellar objects using light data - contributing to a global astronomy catalogue! 🔭

👉 https://researchinschools.org/projects/cosmic-mining/

#WorldSpaceWeek #CosmicMining
Cosmic Mining project, with age suitability 14+ Promotional image includes a stylised spacecraft near a large green planet with rings.
October 8, 2025 at 7:43 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
👋 Did you know...

#IRISprojects are cross-curricular, spanning subjects from geography to computer science 🌍💻

If you're a school that thinks outside of the box when it comes to providing STEM opportunities, visit our website and get involved! 🤝

https://researchinschools.org/projects/
Text 'Discover something new' and 'IRIS Projects 2025/26' on an image of a close up of a bee on lavender under a magnifying glass. Project Big Data Atlas, featuring colourful abstract lights in space. Project DNA Origami, featuring an image of DNA structure under a microscope. Project Earth Observation, featuring abstract blue, green and white shapes.
October 6, 2025 at 7:11 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
🔬 Definition: Science Identity

Science identity is how someone connects with science & its community. Engaging in real research at school helps students see themselves as scientists.

#STEM #Education #GlossaryIRIS
A bright image of a pink fish. The words 'Science identity' are at the top of the card, suggesting a dictionary entry. The definition reads: This is how someone views and relates to science. When someone feels connected to a science community it contributes to them developing an identity within science.
October 2, 2025 at 4:09 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Get your students involved in our new project - Elephants on the Move 🐘, a real-world conservation project using GPS data.

Explore habitat loss, poaching and learn more about global challenges through science. 🌍

👉 https://researchinschools.org/projects/elephants-on-the-move/

#IRISProjects
"Elephants on the Move" text with an image of a herd of elephants moving under the trees.
September 26, 2025 at 4:22 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Bring real research into your classroom.

IRIS projects are free, flexible and designed for 11 - 18 year olds.

🌍🔬 Explore them all: https://researchinschools.org/projects

#STEMProjects #IRISProjects #ScienceInSchools
September 23, 2025 at 4:09 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
📧 Have you received September's Month Ahead email? If you’ve registered interest in starting an IRIS project, check your inbox!
An illustration promoting 'IRIS Month Ahead' for September 2025, featuring a person using a telescope under a starry sky.
September 17, 2025 at 7:43 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Teachers: Join a Welcome Back webinar!

📅 23 and 24 September
⏰ 4pm

http://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7e4ccf6f-5218-4371-94a1-33d913181ee8@d2f2dc32-3e33-4643-a7a2-1225e9076399

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/fe11bb74-c502-4344-a62c-74eec7c97866@d2f2dc32-3e33-4643-a7a2-1225e9076399
Image with 'Welcome Back Webinar' text, with a picture of a very happy student with an IRIS lanyard.
September 15, 2025 at 4:09 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Welcome back 🌼

A new academic year means new opportunities to explore, discover and innovate.

Our student research projects are open for registration. They are free, and we’ll support you on your school’s journey into real-world STEM research.

#BackToSchool #STEMeducation #ResearchInSchools
Students in a classroom working on laptops, with a smiling education professionals assisting around the room
September 11, 2025 at 2:50 PM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Thank you so much to all of the students, teachers, keynote speakers and guests that joined us in Exeter, Manchester and London for the biggest and best conference season yet!

Read more about this year's conferences on our website: researchinschools.org/iris-student...

#STEM #education
July 14, 2025 at 7:12 AM
researchinsch.bsky.social
Young people at our conferences in Exeter and Manchester have built connections and confidence.

Now is a great time to think about signing up to a project in the next academic year... 👀

See you tomorrow London! 🎉

#STEM #edusky #careers #research
June 24, 2025 at 1:51 PM