£105,000 University project brings real scientific research into Humber classrooms

The University's new Lablink programme will give secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges free access to scientific equipment, teaching resources and hands-on training, enabling students to take part in investigations linked directly to real University research.

The University of Hull is one of 10 STEM organisations to receive a £105,000 Science Community Grant from the Royal Society. The three-year programme aims to build teachers' confidence, inspire students and bring more practical science into the classroom.

Mark Lorch, Professor of Public Engagement and Science Communication at the University of Hull, said: "We're delighted to have the backing of the Royal Society to support science education across the Humber region.

"Too often young people can think of science as a set of established facts and formulas to learn. We want to show them that science is something you do, driven by curiosity and questions we don't yet know the answers to.

"Through Lablink, students will work with real data on real scientific questions, while teachers will get the training, resources and equipment they need to bring those investigations into their classrooms."

Schools will be able to choose from three investigations:

• Unsolved Mutants: students will use scientific databases and machine-learning tools to investigate biological mutations whose 3D structures have not been solved.
• Shake it up - Seismology in School: schools will install Raspberry Pi-based seismographs to monitor earthquakes, ground vibrations and human activity, using scientific data collected in their own schools.
• Greening the Groynes: students will investigate how coastal defences affect wildlife and contribute data to research exploring how engineering could improve habitats for coastal species.

The projects are designed to fit existing GCSE, A-level and vocational courses, including science, geography, geology, engineering and computer science. They can also support Extended Project Qualifications.

Teachers and technicians will receive hands-on professional development, editable lesson materials, worksheets and data templates, alongside access to equipment and online scientific tools. University of Hull researchers will also help launch investigations in schools and provide ongoing support.

For students, the programme, specifically designed for schools across Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, offers the chance to develop practical and digital research skills, work with real-world data and contribute findings to shared scientific datasets.

Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said:

"I am very pleased to announce these ten Science Community Grants. The Royal Society has long advocated for practical hands-on science to be conducted in schools.

"Practical science helps students experience the scientific process, evaluate evidence, understand uncertainty, and appreciate how science helps us understand and improve the world. We want all students to experience and be inspired by science."

The Royal Society Science Community Grant is a three-year programme funded by a donation from the Julia Rausing Trust.

Schools and colleges interested in Lablink can register their interest by emailing Lablink@hull.ac.uk. Participation is free, including CPD, resources and equipment.