By Mrs Smart (Science Teacher)

Over the past year, a group of Lower Sixth students have been taking part in an ionic liquids project through the Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS). This cutting-edge research is supported by UCL and Belfast Universities and could lead to more environmentally sustainable industrial chemical syntheses in the future.

On Tuesday 27th June, five of the group went to present our findings at the IRIS conference in London. Georgia, Isabel, Alex, Jemma and Yubi kicked off the student presentations in style and presented to an audience of over 300 student researchers, teachers and academics, including Dame Kate Bingham who led the UK government’s COVID vaccine task force.

During the day there were opportunities to talk to other student researchers and discuss their research posters, followed by a stimulating keynote address by Oxford Professor Alan Barr on his work as a particle physicist at CERN. Being involved in research not only enables students to see the world of opportunities out there in STEM careers, it also enhances the science curriculum and increases understanding and enjoyment of subjects. IRIS offers a whole range of different scientific research opportunities in all STEM fields and I hope that more students will be inspired to take them up next year and be able to attend the conference in 2024.

Jemma Oldroyd reflected: “Participating in the IRIS student conference in London was definitely a worthwhile experience. Not only were we able to talk to a wide range of students from all over the UK, but it was also great to hear from experts about their work and personal motivations. However, the thing that really came across to me on the day was the focus on knowledge for change, and passion behind learning.

“Within a school setting or behind a desk, I think it’s sometimes easy to forget that the small, ordinary things we do are all part of an extraordinary goal with the potential to make a real difference. Being immersed in an environment that not only acknowledged but also encouraged each individual's endeavours, regardless of how small, was an invaluable and inspiring experience. Even those who were not necessarily seeking a career in the sciences would have undoubtedly found it beneficial. Looking back, I’m really glad I took the opportunity to go!”

View photos from the conference here.