STEM for All: Opening Doors to Science and Inspiring the Next Generation (average reading time 4 minutes)
Science doesn’t just happen in a lab or in textbooks, it happens when people come together to ask questions, explore ideas, and try to make the world a better place. That’s why I’m so passionate about science communication and creating opportunities for young people to experience the exciting world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths).
Hosting Future Scientists with In2STEM
This summer, I had the absolute privilege of hosting two brilliant students (aged 16–18) as part of the In2STEM programme, part of the wider In2Science UK initiative. This programme supports young people from backgrounds that are underrepresented in STEM, giving them a real chance to explore careers in science and healthcare, and helping break down barriers that can often stand in their way.
Over the course of a week, we delivered a dynamic programme for the students:
- they carried out hands-on experiments
- shadowed clinical teams
- learnt how to analyse scientific data and write research reports
- explored how we use stem cells and post-mortem tissue to understand diseases like motor neuron disease (MND) and dementia
- got a first look at how drug discovery works.
Most importantly, they saw how our research is driven by patients and their stories—from the Clinic to the lab, and back again.
One student said:
It was amazing to be in the lab! It was truly the best summer I’ve had.
Their enthusiasm was infectious. Watching them grow in confidence and curiosity over just a few days was deeply rewarding and reminded me of why I do what I do.
Reaching Young Minds in the Community
It’s not just older students I connect with. Science should be for everyone, and that starts early.
For the past year, I’ve been running a monthly STEM Club for children aged 6 to 11 at a local library. Through hands-on crafts and experiments, we’ve explored how the brain works, built balloon-powered cars, made solar system flip-books, and launched mini catapults! These sessions are all about sparking curiosity, making science fun, and helping kids feel confident asking “what if…?”
One child, who was initially very shy and spoke little English, now bounces into the room chatting away, full of ideas and questions. Watching their transformation is one of the most heart-warming parts of my month.
We also bring science into local events, like the Grange Summer Fair, where I organised a team to run an outreach stall. Kids and families got to look down microscopes, build model neurons, and make their own brain hats. The energy was incredible, and it is moments like these that show how powerful hands-on learning can be.
Coming Soon: STEM Seedlings!
Looking ahead, I’ve also been developing with another Anne Rowling Clinic PhD Student (Abby O’Sullivan) an exciting new outreach project with STEM Seedlings, aimed at Primary 5–7 students. Launching this September, we’ll be going into schools to teach children how the nervous system controls movement and senses—and what happens when things go wrong, such as in MND. It’s all about building understanding from a young age and showing how science can explain the world around (and inside) us.
Why Science Communication Matters
Science communication isn’t just about teaching facts. It’s about building bridges between scientists and communities, researchers and patients, curiosity and understanding.
Growing up, I often felt that science was only for an elite group of people and that there was a glass ceiling when it came to getting into STEM. Now, after working in this field as a PhD Student, I know this isn’t true, but I know that many people still feel this way. The only way we can break these misconceptions is by opening up, breaking down barriers and actively supporting individuals from all backgrounds, at all ages, to find their place in STEM.
I want to do my part to make sure that everyone feels welcome and included in the world of science, whether that means pursuing a research career, or simply feeling like the science they hear about in the media is relevant and understandable to them.
Through my recent science communication work, I’ve learnt that sometimes, it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference. A conversation. A craft project. A moment of encouragement. Just spending quality time exploring and supporting someone’s journey with science can have a real, lasting impact.
On a personal note, this work fills my cup. It gives me purpose and reminds me that behind every test tube, microscope slide, or data chart, there’s a bigger picture: real people, real stories, and a shared hope for better health and a brighter future.
I’m so excited for what’s next and can’t wait to keep inspiring, educating, and connecting more people with science.
Useful links
In2Science UK initiative (external website)