Building inclusive pathways to research careers
In2research is a programme specifically developed by In2scienceUK and UCL to enhance access to postgraduate research degrees and career opportunities for people from low socioeconomic backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
The programme supports widening participation in STEM-based research through workshops, mentoring, professional development away days and an eight-week research placement. To run the programme, we need help from brilliant volunteers like you!
Applications for the 2027 In2research programme are now closed
We have now closed applications for next year’s programme, but if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer in 2028, we’d still love to hear from you! Please fill in the expression of interest form below:
If you have a query, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing us at [email protected].
Why is In2research needed?
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (2020), students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are up to eight times less likely to progress to a master’s degree and 15 times less likely to undertake a PhD than their more advantaged peers, highlighting the persistent gap in access to PGR pathways.
In2research works to address the three main barriers our beneficiaries face when trying to access postgraduate research (PGR) study:
Knowledge and information
Navigating how to find and apply to PGR study, as well as learning what it involves, can be difficult if you do not have access to anyone who has done it before. This is especially true as there is no one pathway, with different universities and institutions having different processes (and even different processes for different subjects within the same institution!)
We aim to demystify research by providing information on the available pathways to research careers, such as how to apply for PGR and funding, and by providing tailored workshops and guidance to develop in areas including interview and networking skills.
Relevant and paid experience
PGR programmes often demand substantial research experience, but many undergraduate degrees do not include research experience or modules, and any additional summer internships are often unpaid, meaning they are inaccessible to those that need to supplement their income during the summer.
In2research provides an eight-week research placement with a tax-free stipend exceeding £3,000 to break down the financial barrier this presents.
Research culture and wellbeing
We recognise the significant unconscious and conscious biases that exist within institutions and how this can affect admissions and retention of those from low socioeconomic and underrepresented backgrounds in research environments.
We offer training to all volunteers to promote a more inclusive and welcoming workplace.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Volunteering as an In2research placement host and/or mentor not only contributes to improving access to research but will also allows you to:
By joining the In2scienceUK community, made up of our programmes’ beneficiaries and volunteers who are all passionate about making STEM more accessible, you will have the chance to broaden your knowledge of the successes and challenges faced, as well as network with likeminded individuals at events like our Celebration Event.
With our impact reports, designed for use in departmental REF reporting and applications.
In both of our volunteer roles, you’ll have the opportunity to further develop your supervision and mentoring skills.
Demonstrate your commitment to taking concrete action to champion diversity in research, helping us to break down barriers and build research pipelines which are accessible to all.
How can I volunteer?
In2research supports participants interested in a broad range of STEM-based subjects. If you’re a researcher as passionate about widening participation as we are, you can support our mission to improve access to research by volunteering as an In2research placement host or mentor, or both!
Placement host
Create, inspire and supervise a research placement during summer
Who is it for?
Researchers based across the UK working within STEM-based subjects.
When’s the application deadline?
23 August
What is the commitment?
- Review and provide feedback on your participant’s CV and personal statement.
- Hold and provide feedback on an informal ‘mock’ interview with your participant.
- Host a full time, eight-week research placement between 1 June and 31 August.
- Oversee your participant’s creation of a research output they can present at our conference-style Celebration Event in September.
Is there any training?
In2research placement host induction and training.
How much time is needed?
Ahead of placement: approx. 6 hours
Placement time: 8 weeks (although you don’t need to be present for the full duration of the placement)
If you would like to host but don’t yet have a specific research project in mind, you can still apply! Simply provide an overview of your research area in the application form and select to co-develop a project with a participant.
Mentor
Share your expertise with participants who are passionate about your area of research
Who is it for?
Researchers based anywhere in the UK working within STEM-based subjects.
When’s the application deadline?
23 August
What is the commitment?
- Hold four one-hour online sessions, with one or two mentees, between February – April.
- During these sessions, provide subject-specific guidance and advice, and deeper insight into the topics covered in the four programme workshops, such as how to write an academic CV and prepare for a PhD interview.
- Provide subject-specific support, and give an insight into your experience of working in research.
Is there any training?
In2research mentor induction and training
How much time is needed?
~10h
Programme timeline
Volunteer applications close
Participant applications are reviewed, applicants are interviewed by the In2research team
Participants accepted onto the programme and matched with hosts and mentors
In-person away day for participants
Four online skills workshops and four small group mentoring sessions delivered for participants
Participants submit their CVs and personal statements for placements
Participants have a mock placement interview with host and placement details are confirmed
Full-time, eight-week research placement takes place
*exact dates agreed by placement host and participant
In-person away day and conference-style Celebration Event for volunteers and participants
In2research programme impact
We are proud to be working towards a more inclusive and diverse research culture with the support of our partners and volunteers. Explore In2scienceUK’s impact, including data and stories from our In2research participants, by reading our 2025 report.
Hear from our volunteers and participants…
“It was very rewarding to help students explore career options and navigate aspects of academic research that we take for granted. Experiencing research through their eyes also renewed my excitement about science and reinforced my reasons for pursuing this degree.”
Shanice BaileyIn2research mentor
“I’ve benefited from a boost to my career and research by enabling me to sharpen my teaching abilities, develop leadership skills and communicate clearly why my research is important. It has also been a joy to work with somebody so bright and enthusiastic who asks refreshingly great questions..”
Stephen TerryIn2research placement host
“I grew up in Devon, in a single-parent family of 5, and had Free School Meals for my entire schooling. I wanted to look into going into research but I didn’t know what that looked like. At university that world seemed closed off. I received invaluable support from my In2research mentor. She supported me through every part of the application process for a fully-funded, four-year MRes and PhD opportunity. I was so surprised to be successfully offered a place starting this next academic year! I wouldn’t have applied at all if I didn’t do In2research”
KendallIn2research participant
“If someone had told me to write a PhD application, or write an academic CV – I would have really struggled. But thanks to In2research now I know how!This year I received offers from the University of Oxford and UCL for my master’s, and In2research definitely helped that to happen. Having completed the programme, I can now network with professionals in these environments and, now, I definitely see myself in academia.”
ChloeIn2research participantIn2research is run by In2scienceUK in partnership with:
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Get in touch with us at [email protected]