During the summer term, we are running a project for year 12 chemistry students who are from widening participation backgrounds and have a keen interest in the subject. The support these students receive at the very beginning of their journey may influence the successful outcome of their degree. This initiative to carry out this project is based on research carried by the Royal Society of Chemistry in their Chemistry for All (CFA) outreach study of Chemistry which explored and investigated how to address the barriers to participation in post-16 UK chemistry education. The report made suggestions on how to increase the number of students studying Chemistry at higher education from the underrepresented groups through presenting students with clear chemistry careers advice, challenging perceptions that chemistry is a difficult subject and supporting teachers in their curriculums. The project aims to address the barriers to studying Chemistry and will involve three visits to Lancaster University campus over a two-month period with the intended outcome for the students participating to produce a research poster based on the lab activity they will take part in. The structure of the project is as follows:
One of the challenges for widening participation students is the transition from secondary and further education to higher education.
Visit 1: Introduction to Elements of Success: Building Confidence in Chemistry.
• Introduction talk
• Department tour
• Spectroscopy in a suitcase activity
• Lunch
• Your future with Chemistry talk and an employability session
Visit 2: Learning to become a chemist
• How to create a research poster session
• Body in the lab activity OR polymer activity with Victrex
• Lunch
• Creating a research poster session - computer lab session
Visit 3: Celebrating becoming a chemist
• Simulation and spectroscopy activity
• Lunch
• Research poster presentation and celebration session
• Conclusion of the project
What’s In It For Your Students?
It is hoped that the activities will provide students with enjoyment and will raise aspirations and the desire to pursue chemistry at higher education level. We will have various academic staff act as role models throughout the project, which will hopefully raise the aspirations of the students by seeing a diverse staff profile within the department. Students who take part will be expected to complete their research poster outside of the project in their own time and submit it to the department before the last visit, ready for the poster celebration event.
First Delivery Of The Project
As part of the "Elements of Success: Building Confidence in Chemistry" project, Year 12 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the Northwest participated in a series of immersive activities designed to inspire interest in chemistry and higher education. Across three visits to Lancaster University, students engaged in hands-on lab experiments, including spectroscopy and forensic investigations, and attended career sessions led by professionals from industry partner Victrex. Students created their own research posters in groups based on what they had learnt on the project, and delivered a presentation to the cohort, as well as members of the chemistry department. All posters and presentations were brilliant and really showcased the commitment the students had put into the project. On the final visit, following the presentations, the department got together to deliver prizes to the 'department's choice' poster and presentation, with Victrex and Shimadzu sponsoring the 'industry's choice award'. These experiences helped students gain confidence in their scientific skills, better understand university-level chemistry and career pathways, and envision themselves as future chemists. The project also featured diverse role models and was designed to break down stereotypes, making chemistry feel more accessible and inclusive. We concluded the visit with a celebration of all of the students' efforts.
Elements of Success has addressed a critical gap in chemistry outreach for widening participation students in the Northwest. It has laid the foundation for a sustainable, annual programme that supports underrepresented students, builds long-term school-university partnerships, and establishes Lancaster University and Victrex as leaders in chemistry widening participation.
Read aboutWhat's Next?
We are therefore looking for a group of 5-10 students from your institution who have a keen interest in chemistry (or related subjects) and are from a widening participation background to take part in this project. Lunches will be provided for all students free of charge, and we may be able to subsidise travel costs.
If you would like your students to take part in this exciting project, please email g.spencer3@lancaster.ac.uk for further information and to register your students. Please note, places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Get in touch now to avoid disappointment. We will get in touch with you to confirm places by February 2026.