Our 2024 story
Transforming lives through STEM
I am pleased to present In2scienceUK’s impact overview. Our mission as a social mobility charity is to unlock the potential of young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds and empower them to progress to vibrant careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
In 2024 we supported more participants across our programmes than ever before. However, we need to build on this valuable work and increase our reach so that we can help more young people in need in 2025 and beyond.
Without our dedicated staff, volunteers and partners, our work would not be possible.
Their commitment plays a vital role in making a difference to the lives of our beneficiaries. The young people who we strive to support continue to face barriers to education and the STEM careers that their talent deserves and that the sector needs.
As we enter 2025, we remain committed to supporting our young people throughout their career journey so that they achieve their potential in a dynamic STEM career.
In addition, we will want to address the growing trends in regional disparity and inequality in terms of access to opportunities by continuing to support communities across the UK.”
Stephen Hancock CEO, In2scienceUK
2024 National impact
972 participants
58,527 hours of in-person placement experience across all programmes
82% of participants are from ethnic minorities
783 volunteers
Over 2,180 In2careers members
67 partner organisations
In2scienceUK aims to break down barriers to STEM education and careers
Progress still needs to be made to address the balance of opportunities in STEM:
Who progresses to university?
1 in 3 students from low-income households
1 in 2 students from higher income households
(Fair Education Alliance, 2024)
The STEM skills shortage is projected to cost the UK £120 billion by 2030
(CK Group, 2024)
Who starts a postgraduate degree by the age of 30?
1 in 25 state school students from the poorest 20% of families
1 in 5 state school students from the richest 20% of families
1 in 4 privately educated students
(Institute for Fiscal Studies, 2020)
Our programmes
We aim to boost our beneficiaries’ knowledge of and confidence in navigating the STEM sector by offering relevant opportunities for them to build connections, gain in-person experience and receive guidance on their next steps.
This is achieved through three programmes that provide end-to-end support and advice and are free for participants:
Online platform for anyone over 16 years old
Exclusive access to networking and mentoring schemes, events and career guidance for participants past and present, as well as anyone else eligible for our support
Summer programme for Year 12 and S5/6 students
Includes a work experience placement, skills and employability workshops and competitions
Suitable for second-year undergraduates and onwards
A year-long programme to improve access to postgraduate research degrees and careers through mentorship, workshops, away days and a funded 8-week placement
Since its launch in May 2023, In2careers has grown with the support of collaborations with organisations such as the Royal Society and Ricardo. We now support more than 2,000 users with mentorship schemes, career webinars, in-person events and other opportunities.
In2careers 2024 impact:
The Royal Society STEM research career event
In 2024, In2careers members attended a day of career-building activities organised by the Royal Society, which included a career panel discussion, a science communication workshop and a networking session.
New Scientist Live event
Also in 2024, members of our In2careers community presented their research to thousands of attendees at the New Scientist Live event. It was inspirational hearing the journey such renowned academics have been on to get to where they are today. It has encouraged me to keep going and never stop chasing my dreams and aspirations!”
In2careers member
1050 new sign-ups 22 workshops
18 organisations involved in industry mentoring
14 in-person events 7 networking events
It was an incredible opportunity for me to be able to showcase my research interests, as well as speak to people, network and sign up for work experience opportunities. It was also nice being able to build a stronger In2scienceUK community with those I was presenting alongside.”
Charish In2careers member
In2STEM helps Year 12 and S5/6 students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to understand what STEM is and explore the career pathways it offers.
This year, our team received the Athena Prize from the Royal Society in recognition of their commitment to the advancement of diversity within STEM.
Students who understand the content and structure of a range of STEM degrees and apprenticeships
Students who feel confident introducing themselves to a STEM professional
Pre-programme Post-programme
Pre-programme
Post-programme 53% 85%
63% 87%
My generation of my family is the first one to actually go to university. It’s helped me with my communication and confidence. In2STEM has made me sure that I do want to move on to university. It has just shown me how many options and different paths there are that I could go on to. I would really recommend it!”
Abeeha In2STEM participant
Longer-term impact for In2STEM alumni*
Students who felt sure of their career aspirations
Pre-programme
Post-programme 71% 83%
97% who applied to university received offers 92% who accepted chose a STEM degree
*According
In2research equips participants with key skills for applying to and conducting postgraduate research while promoting inclusivity in academia. Many from this year’s cohort have gained further opportunities through their academic connections.
By the end of the programme:
45% of participants had been offered research-related opportunities, such as co-authorships, presenting at conferences and internships
85% of these said they only secured these opportunities because of In2research
I often feel underrepresented in workplaces and felt like I didn’t know who to go to for help. In2research brings minorities together and the placement was really relevant –I got to gain new skills I didn’t learn at university.
I am even more interested in a PhD and a career in neuroscience. Having a mentor was invaluable. They supported me with my master’s application and helped me prepare for my placement. In2research is a great opportunity, you learn so much.”
Fajar In2research participant
96% said they gained technical skills through the placement
Participants who understood what the day-to-day of postgraduate research involves
61% are planning to apply for PhDs
In a one-year-on follow-up with In2research alumni, 96% credited the programme with increasing their knowledge about different career pathways in research.
Let’s build a brighter future in STEM, together
Spread the word about In2scienceUK in your network
Mentor
one of our beneficiaries to share your experiences and insights
I wish there had been a charity like this when I was growing up. As a host, it enriches you personally to work with young people who are really keen about science and want to learn more.”
Dr Elisa Martelleti Research Fellow, King’s College London, In2scienceUK volunteer
Invest your support across our programmes or provide flexible financial sponsorship to support individuals
Lead a workshop or contribute your expertise to a panel to help our participants navigate the world of STEM
Offer exclusive opportunities such as careers panels or internships to our community
Host a placement to connect with and support up-and-coming talent in your sector
Visit in2scienceuk.org or email development@in2scienceuk.org to find out how you can get involved today.
Registered address: 10 Queen Street Place, London, EC4R 1BE, UK. In2scienceUK is a registered charity (1164821) and company (07706662) in England and Wales and Scotland (SC053912).
Edit and design: Research Retold
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