The BCI has partnered with the charity Access Work Placements to create a course for local A level students that allows them to experience cancer research first-hand.
Our Science Training for Aspiring Research Scientists (STARS) programme offers pupils with an interest in science - whether they're thinking of medical research, dentistry, or are generally curious about lab work - the opportunity to perform experiments, learn techniques and discover the research environment.
Importantly, we also focus on the opportunity for our postgraduate students and senior researchers (we call them STARS Facilitators) to engage with the students to reinforce their science communication and teaching skills.
We believe the interaction is beneficial for everyone involved; both inspiring young people to pursue careers in scientific subjects and renewing the enthusiasm of early career and established researchers.
Student feedback has shown that the course also tackles negative stereotypes of scientists and science, showing young people that science can be fun and that scientists are like them; making such a career seem more appealing and achievable.
The pilot course was made possible by generous funding from the QMUL Centre for Public Engagement.
Students start the day with a brief introduction to the day's research theme. This is followed by practical sessions in our teaching laboratory. Students work in groups of 3-4 with a Facilitator to carry out the experiments timetabled. Each day closes with a debrief session where students and Facilitators can discuss what they liked, what they would change and follow up any questions that they feel were not answered previously.
There is also the opportunity to tour the Institute's facilities and see cancer researchers at work. The week closes with an awards ceremony and refreshments on Friday afternoon.
Examples of what visiting students learn during the STARS course:
You can view an example STARS timetable here.
Professor John Marshall- Group Leader, STARS Organiser
Dr Richard Grose- Group Leader
Dr Michael Allen- Postdoctoral Researcher
Dr Kate Moore- Postdoctoral Researcher
Access is a charity whose aim is to engage with academies and non-selective schools in England to deliver tailored and aspirational opportunities in relevant workplaces. Access focuses on schools where there is limited existing provision, and will work with every student in the sixth form to find a meaningful experience.
Access' aims:
BCI STARS is one of Access' Case Studies:
Barts Cancer Institute took 11 students in 2013 who were interested in a Medical or science career to give them a very structured five day work experience in a cancer research laboratory with PhD students and Professors conducting real research.
We collect anonymous feedback from the students who participate to help us improve the course and find out whether we are meeting our aims. Below is some feedback from the STARS 2019 students:
Out of all the teaching materials which did you find the most useful?
“DEMONS(trators) were wonderful, a different individual every day allows you to meet real scientists in various fields and allows you to take different points of view.”
Did the STARS programme change you perception of research science?
“Provided me with actual experience and provided a real view of the lab environment. I expected labs similar to those on TV shows. It was much better in real life.”
“I previously thought I was incapable of doing research and that I would find it somewhat boring at times but now I have more confidence in what research really entails and I am seriously considering doing research alongside medicine.”
What skills do you feel you have gained or improved during this course?
“I have gained lab skills that would help me during any lab work in university. My communication skills improved as well as I had to talk to new people and work with them.”
What did you hope to gain from attending the course?
“I hoped to gain insight into scientific research and how labs operate as well as experience it myself to see if I did in fact want to get into scientific research in the future. I have achieved both of these things.”
Was there anything you didn’t like or didn’t find very useful?
“Everything was interesting to learn about”
Do you have any feedback on the teaching approaches used by your facilitators?
“NO! It was great”
“Very friendly and enthusiastic. Highly supportive”
"It was the most enjoyable science week I have ever experienced, thank you"
Everyone is welcome to contact us, share STARS information and ask questions via Twitter - use #BCISTARS!
Please contact Prof John Marshall with any further questions or comments.