CONNECTS-UK strengthens inclusive science outreach across the UK

The partnership with Native Scientists supported migrant and multilingual children opportunities in their  heritage language.

CONNECTS-UK, a network supporting European researchers living in the United Kingdom, celebrated the achievements of its three‑year programme at a closing event last Tuesday, the 17th February 2026 at Queen Mary University of London. The event, also available online, brought together researchers, partners, and community organisations to reflect on the impact these three years had on research, policy, and public engagement.

Native Scientists has partnered with CONNECT-UK since the start of the project,  playing a central role in promoting scientific literacy and inclusion. Through outreach activities and science communication training sessions, the collaboration helped children connect in their home country with scientists who speak their heritage language, broadening horizons for communities that are often underserved.

Native Scientists also took part in the event on the 17th February, contributing to the discussion on inclusive science communication. During the closing event, the panel on Outreach and Science Communication reflected on how this partnership reshaped public engagement. Representing Native, Rita Trindade, CONNECTS-UK Liaison, “by centering on shared heritage and lived experience between children and scientists, our model strengthens the visibility of migrant communities in science.” The CONNECTS-UK partnership has shown how collaboration between research networks and community organisations can broaden participation in science. By connecting scientists with multilingual children, the initiative has helped nurture confidence, curiosity, and a sense of belonging among the next generation.

Two years of science and multilingualism in the UK

Over the past years, CONNECTS-UK and Native Scientists delivered a series of hands‑on science workshops in schools with high numbers of multilingual students. These sessions introduced children to scientists who share their cultural and linguistic background, creating a sense of belonging while sparking curiosity about science.

In Jersey, one of the workshops gathered 26 Portuguese‑speaking children at D’Auverne Primary School. Three scientists guided them through activities on viruses and bacteria, the mysteries of the solar system, and the structure of DNA. “The children were amazed to meet scientists who spoke their language,” said one participating mentor. “It made science feel closer and more possible.”

A second workshop in London brought together 24 Spanish‑speaking students at Reary Primary School. Five researchers led activities on cells, DNA extraction from strawberries, pipetting, fluoroscopy, and animal anatomy. Additional workshops followed in early 2026, including sessions for Portuguese‑speaking children at Parliament Hill School and for Italian‑speaking pupils at Scuola di Sofia, where children explored the five senses, the role of bacteria, and the meshwork that holds cells together.

To support scientists involved in these activities, Native Scientists also delivered online science communication training sessions between October 2025 and January 2026. The training covered effective communication with children, inclusive practices, health and safety, and the design of outreach projects. These sessions equipped European Union scientists with practical tools to share their work in ways that are engaging, accessible, and culturally meaningful.

As CONNECTS‑UK marks the end of its programme, the relationships built through this partnership remain a powerful foundation, with the consortium’s partners staying connected to advance science education, bridge the gap between children and scientists, and support Native Scientists in welcoming new researchers committed to making science more inclusive.

About Native Scientists

Native Scientists is a pan-European non-profit organisation connecting underserved children and scientists. It exists to broaden children's horizons, promoting scientific literacy and reducing inequalities through science outreach educational programmes.

About CONNECTS-UK

Connects - UK brings together the established EU researcher diasporas in the UK, uniting thousands of scientists, innovators, and community leaders with a shared commitment to strengthening Europe–UK research ecosystems.