UCL graduate inspires hundreds of young people to consider a science career

Fewer young people from low income backgrounds tend to progress into STEM jobs. Life Sciences graduate Rebecca McKelvey’s company is helping to change that.

23 April 2021

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are subjects that can lead to lucrative and fulfilling careers. Yet interest in these subjects tends to wane among secondary school children, with children from low income backgrounds at a particular disadvantage. It's often more difficult for them to gain work experience in science fields, with fewer personal contacts and limited exposure to STEM experts.

It was while studying for her PhD in Neuroscience at UCL that Rebecca came up with the idea of linking up young people with researchers as mentors, and giving them access to labs.

After winning UCL’s Bright Ideas Award competition (now Build your own business 3: Launch your business), she went on to develop her idea.

Rebecca joined BaseKX, UCL’s entrepreneurship hub in King’s Cross, run by UCL Innovation & Enterprise, to set up her own non-profit, In2scienceUK. Quickly putting her plans into action, she found mentors from universities and organised science placements and careers guidance for more than 1,000 young people.

Her idea has proved highly effective. Over 75% of the young people who’ve taken part have gone onto university to study STEM degrees. In2scienceUK has now won a £250,000 grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The funding will open up the scheme to more students from low income backgrounds from across the UK.

Other links
In2scienceUK
Build your own business 3: Launch your business
Entrepreneurial support for UCL students