Science Buddies

We have a long history of flourishing relationships with our local primary schools. Together we have won awards, supported in-class science, science festivals, STEM weeks and parent / carer learning workshops.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we offered STEM clubs online and provided STEM activity boxes to all local families.

We know it’s important for our local young people to meet people working in STEM and so in 2022 we are moving back to connecting in person.

We are always looking for ways to nurture longer term relationships between our scientists and young people, especially now in-person after the pandemic.

It was this thinking that gave birth to Science Buddies in 2022. Young scientists are paired with local primary schools to connect closely with them over the year.

The children, teachers and scientists’ work together to make a plan which could involve STEM Clubs, supporting a science week, taking over science class – being their science best friend!

Be a Science Best Friend!

‘Science Buddies’ is an opportunity for local young people and Edinburgh BioQuarter scientists to develop a longer-term relationship aiming to develop the young people’s science capital and support the school in delivering a first rate science education.

‘Science Buddies’ work with the school they are partnered with to develop a plan of activity that suits both the school and buddy and could include over a year:

STEM Clubs
Science Class take-over
Science Week / Fair

Are you a young scientist based on Edinburgh BioQuarter? Could you spare an hour a week to be a ‘Science Buddy’ for one of our local Primary Schools? Note: time commitment will vary depending on you and the school.

There is a 4- step process for getting involved:

Apply to be a Science Buddy
If successful attend a 2-hour training session
After training sign up to become a STEM Ambassador for resources and PVG check
First school visit

We are currently recruiting for volunteers for the 2022/23 academic year. An information session will be announced soon.

Applications closed on Thursday 20th October and these are currently being assessed.

Application Form

We asked young primary school students at Prestonfield Primary School to design job adverts for a scientist to be their buddy for a year. We are most impressed at the creativity they have demonstrated in some colourful and artistic artwork

View a selection of the sketches in full size in the link (PDF) below.

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Nurturing confidence and interest in science

Working together

Be a Science Best Friend!

What's Involved

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Amazing artwork!

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