Science Insights 2025

Now in its twelfth year, Science Insights is a non-residential work experience programme giving Scottish high school students a chance to spend a week of their summer doing a varied programme of activities hosted by staff and students across four different University of Edinburgh campuses.  

This­­­ College-wide initiative brings together students and staff from all six of its world-leading research institutes, including the Institute of Genetics and Cancer (IGC), Roslin Institute, Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR), Queen’s Medical Research Institute (QMRI), The Usher Institute, and Edinburgh Neuroscience.

Widening participation is at the heart of the University of Edinburgh’s agenda, so we work with the Widening Participation team to ensure places are assigned to pupils from a range of social, cultural and educational backgrounds.­­

Throughout the week, participants engaged in a packed schedule of activities - including research taster sessions, interactive workshops, and guided tours of cutting-edge facilities. Highlights included:

• Hands-on activities in the anatomy department, including a guided tour of the University’s anatomy museum
• Session on making science accessible for everyone, including diversity and inclusion in science, the role of sign language in communication, and the importance of patient and public involvement in research
• Workshop on ethics and the use of animals in research and a tour of the barn of the large animal research and imaging facility at Roslin
• A talk on the importance and role of biobanks and volunteer datasets in research
• Visits to scientific facilities, including flow cytometry, surgical robots, zebrafish and advanced imaging facilities
• Small-group lab taster sessions, providing hands-on experience of real research and work in science
• An interesting session titled ‘Dr Google’, aimed at helping students critically evaluate online medical information and the use of AI in access to health information
• Skills session to help with university applications

Students also had the opportunity to meet and chat with researchers, technicians, and current university students (including past Science Insights alumni!), giving them valuable insight into academic and professional life in science. Students shared their week’s learning with final group presentations, given as a scientific poster.

With another successful year complete, Science Insights highlights that providing opportunities to see real-life research and work in many different areas of sciences can make all the difference in helping students choose what to do next. Thank you to the 100+ staff and students for giving their time and expertise for this programme. ­­­

Science Insights programme