Researchers in the classroom

Researchers in the classroom is a programme of short talks that are bookable by schools and colleges. Talks are directly linked to research being carried out at the University of Portsmouth and are a chance to combine our researchers’ passion for sharing their subject and the university’s commitment to engaging schools, colleges and the community with our research and the University of Portsmouth. We’re looking for inspiring and engaging talks from across a range of subject areas, to promote to schools and colleges – and so if you have a passion for sharing your work with school and college students, then we’d love to hear from you.

 

How does it work?

Talks are delivered in schools or colleges, or can potentially be live-streamed (depending on technology available to both the speaker and the school/college).

Talks can be requested directly by schools or colleges via an online form. The requests will be picked up centrally by the Recruitment & Outreach team, who will liaise with the requested speaker to confirm a booking.

After the talk has taken place, the speaker will need to provide some basic information back to us, to help us monitor the Researchers in the Classroom programme

 

What is required from me?

We have set up a google sheet for you to record the details of the talk you are able to offer. We need to know which age range the talk is suitable for, and that you feel comfortable delivering to. 

We are seeking a range of talks to ensure there is something for students from KS2 (primary) to KS5 (FE/sixth form).

We’ll manage the requests, but will aim to limit bookings for any individual speaker to a maximum of 3 talks per year.

 

Do I need a DBS check to work with younger audiences?

If you have a current DBS with the university, great! Otherwise, we’ll liaise with the school/college to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for you to be supervised during your visit.

 

Do I get paid?

No, this is not a paid opportunity but is a great way to represent your Faculty or department and participate in the University’s outreach and student recruitment activity.

For Researchers in the Classroom talks that happen outside of Portsmouth, and depending on the level of travel required, we can support your travel costs.

 

When will my first talk be scheduled?

We want to ensure we have a small selection of talks available before we go live with the programme. The aim is to have talks advertised online to schools and colleges to book from the Spring Term but you will not be booked to give a talk without agreeing your availability.

 

Who can I contact for more information?

You can contact the Outreach Team at upforuni@port.ac.uk if you have any questions or want to chat about Researchers in the Classroom.