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I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here

@imascientist.org.uk

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I'm a Scientist | I'm an Engineer | I'm a Mathematician | I'm a Computer Scientist A student-led online activity making STEM more accessible by connecting students with a wide range of people working in STEM. Sign up: https://imascientist.org.uk/signup/

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I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · May 12

🎓Teachers - sign up to book online Chats for your students to connect with a wide range of scientists: imascientist.org.uk/signup/t/

👤Scientists - apply now to connect with students across the UK and help them see STEM as ‘for them’: imascientist.org.uk/signup/c/

A quote from scientist Emily McDougal saying "It was fantastic to hear what students were interested in. I was really impressed with many of the questions and their enthusiasm for my research gave me a real boost of inspiration!"

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I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 1d

Show students where geography can take them!

I’m a Geographer, supported by @rgsibg.bsky.social, highlights how geography is used in real jobs.

If you use geography in your work and have a post-16 geography qualification, apply here 👉 imageographer.uk/signup/c/

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I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 2d

This year 5 student didn't expect Dr Luke's answer when they asked what astronauts ate! Conversations in I'm a Scientist are authentic. Students ask the questions and scientists reply at the level they are asked. That's why it's suitable from Year 5 to Year 13.

imascientist.org.uk/signup

A screenshot of a chat between users knew520bren and DrLukeF. Knew520bren asks what plants astronauts eat. DrLukeF replies that astronauts have grown and eaten various plants including lettuce, radishes, and chili peppers, which they used to make space tacos. Knew520bren responds excitedly, saying “space tacos, SOUNDS YUMMY!!!” DrLukeF agrees, saying the astronauts loved them and suggests googling space tacos to see pictures the astronauts took.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 5d

Last week was #MathsWeekScot

Both primary and secondary students used I'm a Mathematician to connect with people using maths in their role. Take a look at one of our favourite interactions across the week. This student had explored Sam's profile beforehand and had more questions about his work.

A screenshot of a chat conversation between users jobs534deme9 and SamG. Jobs534deme9 says they are inspired by SamG’s work and asks for more details. SamG explains that their role is split between fixing faults (in hardware, software, or networking) and project work, such as investigating new technology or writing scripts to install software on 16,000 machines. Jobs534deme9 replies that it sounds interesting and asks if SamG enjoys it. SamG responds that they do, as every day is different, they work with a great team, and they enjoy the challenge, joking that they get paid to look at puzzles.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 7d

Chemistry Week is coming up!

To celebrate, schools can book a Chemistry Week themed Chat. They'll connect their students with a diverse range of chemists. In 30-minute, text-based interactions, students can take part in authentic conversations. They lead the conversation.
@rsc.org

A screenshot of a conversation between two users, area520seep and David B, discussing the use of hemp in food. Area520seep asks about the types of food David works with. David B explains they are doing nutritional studies using hemp, which could have health benefits and reduce environmental impact. When asked which part of hemp is used, David says they use hemp flour and hemp oil, and highlights hemp’s sustainability as the entire plant can be used. Area520seep then asks about the process. David replies that they make hemp bread, replacing 25–50% of normal flour with hemp flour, which reduces carbon footprint and may benefit health as well as the environment.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 13d

A correlation between AI and Bountys?

Lee took part in a lovely interaction with Chris from St Gabriel's. He explained how he used chocolates to teach about reinforcement learning.

Anyone surprised the bounty's weren't popular?!

Chriss wants to know the topic of Lee's last lecture. Lee says how he used chocolates to teach about reinforcement learning. The student wants to know how effective they were. Lee says very but no one wanted the bountys. Chriss says fair.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 15d

A link between the moon and crime?!

Mod Laura enjoyed this Chat moment between a student from Puddletown and Lisa H. Lisa's response prompted the student to ask a follow-up question, deepening their engagement.

Get involved this Autumn: imascientist.org.uk/signup/

A screenshot of a conversation between users nada519joys and Lisa H. Nada519joys asks Lisa H about the most interesting thing she has found while analysing data. Lisa H responds that there’s a correlation between crime rates rising and a full moon. Nada519joys replies that it’s very interesting and asks how Lisa H became a data scientist. Lisa H explains that she spent a lot of time working as an analyst and trained to do more advanced tasks, with her job evolving alongside technology.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 16d

@mathsweek.scot

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 16d

It's #MathsWeekScot

Chats have started with Arbroath High School!

Teachers, there's still time to take part this week: imamathematician.uk/book-activity

Image of the I'm a Mathematician Chat platform.

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I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 20d

Faith wanted to know more about how John worked on a system that improves the survival chances of premature babies.

John was able to discuss his work in a way that was digestible for the student. His vocabulary and language matched the level it was asked at.

Sign up: imascientist.org.uk/signup

A screenshot of a conversation between two users, Faith and john easton. Faith asks for examples of problems john easton has to solve. John easton replies that one of his favourites is a system that improves the survival chances of premature babies. Faith asks how the system improves survival rates. John easton explains that they collect thousands of data points every second, looking for patterns that signal a baby’s health is declining. Detecting issues quickly allows doctors to intervene sooner, and they can also monitor the real-time effects of medication.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 20d

Ignite confidence and curiosity in class

After taking part in the Summer 2025 term, 82%of teachers described the I'm a... programme as 'extremely' or 'very effective' at boosting students confidence in asking questions.

Read the latest report: about.imascientist.org.uk/files/2025/0...

A graph showing how teachers rated these three areas: improving students' motivation towards STEM, helping students see how STEM relates to the world around them, challenging students' stereotypes about scientists

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 22d

From initial intrigue to further research. This student was interested to know what Sebastian enjoys about his job. The conversation ended with that student wanting to seek further research into the area.

Teachers, take part with your students: imamathematician.uk/signup/t/

A screenshot of an online conversation between two users, knee520hogs and Sebastian J, about Sebastian’s job as a physicist. Knee520hogs asks Sebastian what he enjoys most about his work. Sebastian explains that his job mainly involves research, making calculations to predict collider experiment outcomes, building theoretical frameworks, and collaborating with other physicists. Knee520hogs responds that it sounds fascinating. Sebastian adds that he attends international conferences, discusses physics with peers, and highlights the variety of fields in physics, like studying materials, exoplanets, or gravitational waves. Knee520hogs replies that they might consider this career.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 23d

It's #NationalCodingWeek!

Mod Thomas highlighted this moment to share from a Chat back in July. It is a great example of how I'm a Computer Scientist supports students to see the transferability of their studies.

@codingweek

A series of four chat messages, arranged from top to bottom.

wych519sown: A user expresses a passion for computer science and a desire to develop their Roblox game development skills to work with larger companies.

amysmith: A user suggests studying game development or computer science with a focus on graphics programming.

wych519sown: A user asks what software is used for creating animations and visual effects, noting that visual effects with AI is a flourishing field.

amysmith: A user responds by listing Maya and Houdini for 3D work and Nuke for 2D, adding that they also use custom software for specialized tasks.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 26d

Across the 2024/2025 academic year, 22,819 students engaged with the I'm a... Programme. They were across 418 schools.

623 STEM Professionals were active, totalling 2,824 hours of interaction.

Take a look at our latest activity report: about.imascientist.org.uk/files/2025/0...

1018 Chats, 313,875 messages, 418 schools, 623 STEM professionals

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 27d

Join Sam here: imacomputerscientist.uk/signup/c/

Computer Scientists: Engage school students with your work – I'm a Computer Scientist, Get me out of here

imacomputerscientist.uk

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 27d

Sam’s used her computing skills in a whole host of roles, from finance to fighting crime. Through I’m a Computer Scientist, she helps show the diversity of jobs and industries that depend on IT skills.
Check out Sam’s profile: imacomputerscientist.uk/profile/samg...

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I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 27d

We've been busy this summer cooking up something new!

This Autumn, I'm a Geographer, will support students to understand how geography can be used by a diverse range of professionals in their jobs.

Supported by @rgsibg.bsky.social

Find out more: imageographer.uk/2025/09/08/w...

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I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 28d

#MathsWeekScot is around the corner! This September, students can connect with a range of STEM professionals using Maths.

Support your students to see the breadth of roles that use maths. Show them that maths is multidisciplinary.

Teachers, take part: imamathematician.uk/signup/t

acme519huge: A user asks, "what was your first job?"

allysonmcintyre: A user replies that their first job after studying was as an analytical scientist.

acme519huge: A user asks, "What is that?"

acme519huge: A user follows up, "If you are a mathematician why are you a scientist?"

allysonmcintyre: A user explains that they are a scientist by training, but are involved in math and data. They chose a science degree over a math degree because they felt they could apply math more in science.

Nijantha_Kirupakaran: A user agrees, stating they also rely on math to be a scientist and use it to test hypotheses and analyze data in their current job.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · 29d

Unlock STEM career awareness - without leaving the classroom!

87% of teachers found the I'm a... activity to be extremely or very effective in raising students awareness of STEM careers.

Bring careers into the curriculum with an I'm a... Chat: imascientist.org.uk/book-activity

Student asks about researching physical diseases and how you run simulations on a computer. Chloe replies that she works with the data that people who do lab work generate. She uses command line tools, R and python.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · Sep 8

Is science involved in your life outside of work?

A student's question about workload and stress opened up a conversation that showed the human side of being a scientist. Joshua helped students see STEM professionals as relatable people.

Find out more: imascientist.org.uk/signup

A student asks scientist Joshua Hollowood if his job is stressful and if he has time for hobbies. He replies that it isn’t more demanding than other jobs and he makes time for hobbies. When asked if they are science-related, he says no—he enjoys rock climbing, tennis, and triathlon.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · Sep 3

In this 'General Maths' themed Chat, students were able to see how maths underpins STEM research. By showing how maths is applied in their work, the scientist helped students connect classroom learning with real-world application.

Signup to get involved: imamathematician.uk/signup/

A student asks physicist Sebastian J about his job. He explains he’s a theorist who predicts collider experiments, does simulations, and collaborates with other physicists. He shares that conferences and the variety in physics make it exciting. The student replies that it sounds fascinating and they might pursue this career.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · Sep 2

Boost your skills while inspiring students

The Summer 2025 feedback survey reported improvements across all areas, with the greatest increase seen in enthusiasm for, and skills in communicating with lay audiences.

Read the latest report: about.imascientist.org.uk/files/2025/0...

“The experience has helped with explaining concepts simply, helping with future grants and
engagements to the public and scientific community.”

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · Sep 1

The new school year is underway and teachers are booking Chats!

Apply now to get involved in the Autumn term: imascientist.org.uk/signup/c/

Take part in flexible STEM engagement. Inspire the next generation in STEM

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I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · Aug 29

A moment between Hannah and Kit in this 'plants' themed Chat is a lovely example of how an authentic interaction, based on a students question, can support students to think about their aspirations.

Sign up to take part: imascientist.org.uk/signup/

A screenshot of an online text-based chat between students and a scientist named Hannah about fungi.

KitR asks Hannah if she finds fungi interesting.

Hannah replies that they are, mentioning the largest living organism is a fungus.

KitR asks what makes it technically a fungus instead of a plant.

Hannah explains that it’s the underground filaments/hyphae that make it one organism, not a single mushroom, and confirms it is definitely a fungus.

Kad responds that they’d like to research or look for it one day.

The messages are shown in alternating colored boxes to distinguish speakers.

I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here @imascientist.org.uk · Aug 28

Bite-sized impact, big rewards!

In the Summer 2025 term alone, 351 STEM professionals connected with over 4,800 students. A collective 65,777 messages were exchanged through personalised conversations.

Read our latest report Summary report: about.imascientist.org.uk/files/2025/0...

228 Chats, 122 schools, 351 STEM professionals

Reposted by I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here

Shane McCracken @shane.mccracken.org.uk · Aug 27

And we're off again for another year of scintillating, surprising and superb chats.

Teachers, get your students involved: imascientist.org.uk/signup/t/
Scientists, Mathematicians, Engineers, get yourself involved: imascientist.org.uk/signup/c/

A lively screenshot from an online “Meet the Scientists” chat with Peterhead Academy’s Astronomy Elective 🌌. Students and scientists are checking in, greeting each other, and talking about the weather before diving into space science discussions. ✨

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