• Question: How do I find biology or chemistry lab opportunities outside holiday in year 12, such as work experience inside a lab or shadowing. I live near reading as well but I can't find a university that accept students for shadowing that are not undergraduate.

    Asked by RuiL to ryanellison, michellethom, Marc, celinewittke, Benjamin, Andy S, Alice C on 2 Dec 2025.
    • Photo: Alice Chernaik

      Alice Chernaik answered on 2 Dec 2025:

      There’s a few really good schemes for this- I did the Nuffield Research placements, but if you Google lots of Universities have STEM outreach programs where you can get experience working in a lab and/or in science.
      Outside of specifically designed schemes it unfortunately will be hard to find- my University for example has rules in place saying under 18s are not allowed to touch anything in the labs because we work with a lot of dangerous chemicals.
      That said, if you’re happy just shadowing, that might be possible if you are over 16. I’d look at individual groups at the University nearest you and email people in the labs directly- they may well be willing to have you along for the day.
      E.g. : https://www.reading.ac.uk/biological-sciences/research

Comments

  • Photo: Nazia B

    Nazia B commented on :

    Definitely get in touch with the outreach coordinator at the universities near you. Sometimes they will also be able to provide you accommodation..