Building inclusive pathways to research careers
In2research is a one-year access programme developed by In2scienceUK and UCL designed to enhance access to postgraduate research degrees and career opportunities for people from low socio-economic backgrounds and under-represented groups. The programme supports widening participation in research through workshops, mentoring, professional development away days and an eight-week research placement. In order to run the programme, we need help from brilliant volunteers like you!
Applications for our 2024/25 programme are now closed
If you’re keen to volunteer in our 2025/26 year, we’d love to hear from you! Complete our Expression of Interest form or, if you have a query, email us at [email protected]
Why is In2research needed?
In2research works with people from low socio-economic and under-represented backgrounds to address the three main barriers they face when accessing postgraduate research (PGR) study:
Knowledge and information
We aim to demystify research by providing information on the pathways to research careers, such as how to apply for postgraduate research study and funding, and providing skills workshops in areas including interview skills and networking skills.
Lack of experience relevant to postgraduate careers
Postgraduate research study programmes often demand substantial research experience. As many internships are unpaid, accessing such experience is challenging for our participants. In2research provides an eight-week research placement with a tax-free stipend exceeding £3,000.
Research culture and wellbeing
We recognise the significant unconscious and conscious biases that exist within institutions. We provide a tailored race and cultural literacy workshop for 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 deliver benefits to you, allowing you to:
Through our high-quality race and cultural literacy workshop for Placement Hosts and Mentors, designed in collaboration with Leading Routes and UPSIGN.
With our impact reports, designed for use in departmental REF reporting and applications.
As a Placement Host or Mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to further develop your supervision and mentoring skills, enhancing potential future opportunities in teaching or supervising.
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 subjects in STEM, Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences. If you’re a researcher as passionate about widening participation in research as we are, you can support our mission to improve access to research by volunteering as an In2research Placement Host and/or Mentor.
Placement Host
Create, inspire and supervise a research placement during summer
Who is it for?
Researchers based in London, Cambridge, Manchester or Glasgow, working within STEM, Arts and Humanities, or Social Sciences.
When’s the application deadline?
Applications have now closed. Express your interest for the 2025/26 programme here
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 Race and Cultural Literacy workshop in January.
How much time is needed?
~20h
If you want to be a Placement 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, Arts and Humanities, or Social Sciences
When’s the application deadline?
Applications have now closed. Express your interest for the 2025/26 programme here
What is the commitment?
- Hold four one-hour online sessions, with one or two mentees, between December – April.
- Provide subject-specific guidance and advice, and insight into your experience of working in research
Is there any training?
In2research Mentor induction and Race and Cultural Literacy workshop in November.
How much time is needed?
~10h
Programme timeline
Placement Host applications close
Mentor applications close
Participant applications are reviewed, applicants are interviewed by the In2research team
Participants accepted onto the programme and matched with Mentor and Placement Host
Mentor Induction and Race and Cultural Literacy workshop
In-person away day for participants
Four online skills workshops and four small group mentoring sessions delivered for participants
Placement Host Induction and Race and Cultural Literacy workshop
Participants submit their CVs and personal statements for placements
Participants have a mock placement interview with Placement Host
Placement details confirmed
Full-time, eight-week research placement.
*exact dates agreed by Placement Host and participant
In-person away day and conference-style Celebration Event for volunteers and participants
In2research programme impact
Data from our programme evaluations and the feedback we’ve received from both In2research participants and volunteers helps evidence the effectiveness of our programme in providing improved access to postgraduate study for individuals from low socio-economic and under-represented backgrounds.
Click here to read our 2023 impact 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]