The In2research programme, co-founded by In2scienceUK and UCL, celebrated 50 talented participants who successfully completed the In2research programme in 2021/22 at a celebration event in London last week.
The In2research Programme was created to directly address the long-running problem of underrepresentation of people from low socio-economic backgrounds in academia, medicine, and science.
Hosted by Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, UCL, the event marked the end of the one-year programme where participants engaged in bespoke workshops, subject-specific mentoring and away days focusing on professional development. Participants then completed a fully funded 8-week research placement at a top research institution.
During the event, guests had the opportunity to hear from In2research Alumnus, Ruben Lourenço Pereira, who reflected on his time on the programme:
“In2research has shown me that I have options, and that there is a place for me in research. After my placement at the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, I was offered a job in the research team, and now I am currently looking to apply for PhDs. Whilst I’m not sure of my exact next steps, I know that In2research has given me a toolkit of skills to help me in my future.”
Guests were invited to view a poster exhibition, which showcased a number of participant research projects from the programme. A selection of In2research participants were awarded special prizes for their posters. The event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the 2021/22 cohort, and give thanks to partners, supporters and volunteers, who were integral to the success of this year’s programme.
April Cashin-Garbutt, Head of Research Communications and Engagement at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, UCL commented:
“Building a research community that is inclusive to young people from low socio-economic backgrounds is vital to science. That’s why we partnered with In2scienceUK on the In2research programme, and we were delighted to host the celebration event at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre at UCL to mark the successful completion of the first year,”
Working in partnership with Leading Routes, UPSIGN, City University of London and Students’ Union UCL, the programme tackles key barriers to postgraduate research study for underrepresented groups.
Participants will now join the growing In2research alumni community, where they continue to receive support throughout their career.
The 2021/22 programme was kindly funded by: Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, Google DeepMind, Cancer Research UK, UCL (University College London), University of Cambridge, Springer Nature Group, Henry Royce Institute, The Babraham Institute, UKDRI (UK Dementia Research Institute), BRC UCLH (Biomedical Research Centre University College London Hospitals), RNID (Royal National Institute for deaf people).