Project Aim
STEM Seedlings is a Scottish science outreach programme organised by the RSE Young Academy of Scotland aimed at empowering Early Career Researchers (ECRs) while inspiring young students. Our mission is to enhance the visibility of female role models in STEM and deliver engaging science workshops to Scottish primary schools, focusing on underprivileged areas in Scotland.
You don’t need a clear workshop idea to apply, but a strong motivation to design and deliver one! During the programme, you will receive public engagement training and support from the STEM Seedlings programme team to help you independently design an engaging workshop aimed at Primary school children. We envision each workshop being delivered at 2-3 schools over a 4-month period. Financial support will be available for basic workshop consumables and travel to Primary schools.
Why STEM Seedlings?
Empowerment: We’re focused on creating strong female role models in the STEM field.
Inspiration: Engage young minds with exciting, hands-on STEM activities.
Impact: Leave a lasting impression on young students, showing them the possibilities within STEM fields.
What Will I Gain as an ECR?
Science Communication Training: Enhance your ability to present complex ideas in an accessible way.
Workshop Delivery Skills: Develop the skills needed to effectively engage with a young audience.
Networking Opportunity: Join a group of talented ECRs and grow your professional network.
RSE-YAS Recognition: Gain formal recognition through the RSE Young Academy of Scotland, boosting your career profile.
Who Can Apply?
If you’re a female-identifying Early Career Researcher in Scotland passionate about science communication, STEM Seedlings is the right platform for you. We welcome female-identifying ECRs from diverse STEM backgrounds and career stages (PhD to lecturer) who are enthusiastic about outreach.
How to Apply
Applications to join the 2025 Cohort are open from April 14th to May 12th, 2025. The application consists of a few questions about your STEM background and potential ideas for a STEM workshop related to your area of research. Please apply using the button below!
Programme Timeline
April 14th-May 12th: Applications open
Week of May 26th: Invitations to join STEM Seedling 2025 cohort sent
June 20th: Programme launch and ECR public engagement training (in-person at Royal Society of Edinburgh, Edinburgh)
July-August: ECR workshop development (drop-in support from Programme team)
Mid-August: Workshops advertised to Scottish Primary Schools
August-December: Workshop delivery at Scottish Primary Schools
Early December: STEM Seedlings cohort event (in-person at RSE, Edinburgh)
STEM Seedlings Programme Team
Prof Mehul Malik, Heriot-Watt University, Programme Lead
Dr Josie Fullerton, University of Glasgow
Professor Kiterie Faller, University of Edinburgh
Dr Dorothy Aidulis, Founder and Director, STEM Scotland
Dr Virginia Howick, University of Glasgow
Dr Ievgeniia Ivanova, University of Stirling
Susanne Krabbendam, University of Glasgow, Programme Administrator
Questions? Please contact us via the webform here.