Roche UK partners with Native Scientists to promote scientific literacy
A new partnership to support Native Scientists delivering 10 interventions across the UK.
Roche UK is partnering with Native Scientists to bring science closer to children from underserved backgrounds. The collaboration will allow scientists from Roche to step into the role of mentors for primary school children.
Throughout the 2026/2027 school year, the Same Migrant Community programme will deliver workshops in Arabic, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese and, thanks to the help of Roche UK scientists, reduce inequalities in access to education.
“This partnership represents a shared commitment to building an inclusive, scientifically literate society by connecting Roche scientists with young learners from diverse communities”, says Aalia Kazi, Roche’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Lead. “It celebrates the idea that while science is a universal language, its true potential is unlocked when we embrace the unique perspectives people bring to global discovery. For Roche, this turns core values into direct action by providing accessible STEM role models who connect with children in their heritage languages and bridges the gap to ensure every child can envision a future in science.”
Over a decade of Native’s workshops showed that when children meet a scientist who can speak their heritage language and share part of their cultural background, science can suddenly feel more familiar, accessible and within reach. Expressing the organization’s enthusiasm for this partnership, Joana Boardalo, Native Scientists’ Deputy Director expresses that “it will allow us to bring this experience to more children across the UK and demonstrate that there is no single language, background or path to becoming a scientist.”
Native Scientists is grateful to Roche UK for its commitment to inclusive science education and to the scientists who are giving their time as mentors. Through their participation and support, our mission gets one step closer to its completion.
About Roche UK
Roche UK focuses their energy and investment in developing tests and treatments that change lives and give people more quality time with those they love. And, together with others, they are aiming to solve healthcare’s greatest challenges; helping to achieve better results by connecting early diagnosis to targeted treatment and ongoing support.
About Native Scientists
Founded in 2013, Native Scientists is an award-winning, pan-European, non-profit organisation connecting children and scientists in underserved communities. It exists to broaden children’s horizons through meaningful science education, promoting scientific literacy and reducing inequalities.
