The Research Challenge is a student-led practical research programme in which up to eight selected Year 12 students collaborate with researchers at Imperial College London to plan and deliver a real data collection session at their school, followed by the chance to put forward their very own research question. During the first stage of the Research Challenge, the selected students are responsible for recruiting their peers across Years 12 and 13 to participate in the data collection visit and if interested, can help collect the data alongside the SCAMP researchers. Once this has been completed, they will be asked to submit their proposed research question. If chosen, they can start the second stage of the Challenge, where they will have the opportunity to work with SCAMP researchers to answer their own question using the data they helped collect. They will be offered various training sessions on topics such as academic writing, data analysis and data interpretation, to name a few. The programme is student-driven, with the research stage of the programme dictated by the students interests and abilities. Who knows – they may just have with their names on a published paper in an academic journal before the age of 18!
The Research Challenge aims to inspire the next generation of researchers and ensure young people’s perspectives are embedded at every stage of our research. Therefore, through completing the Challenge, the Research Challenge students will:
- Gain hands-on research experience, strengthening their UCAS applications and personal statements.
- Develop valuable new skills carrying out real research, including data collection planning and execution, academic writing, data analysis, to name a few.
- Put forward their own research proposal and undertake first-hand research with SCAMP researchers.
- Collaborate on high-profile studies at Imperial’s prestigious School of Public Health.
- Become eligible to join SCAMP’s team of paid research Ambassadors and YPAG (Young People’s Advisory Group) programmes.
- Have continuous access to paid and non-paid opportunities within the SCAMP study both during and after finishing school.
Signing up to the Challenge will also enable all sixth formers (including the Research Challenge students) who participate in the data collection visit to access the following benefits:
- Up to £10 in Amazon vouchers.
- The opportunity to participate in cutting edge mental health research for young people.
- Access to ongoing opportunities at Imperial College London, within the SCAMP team and industry partners.
Who can sign up to the SCAMP Research Challenge?
Each participating school can nominate one team of up to eight Year 12 students who will then facilitate the recruitment of their peers and execution of data collection visit. The teams should include students with a range of strengths, including strong organisational, communication and analytical skills. This opportunity might particularly suit those interested in future careers in research, healthcare, medicine, science, psychology, or mental health, but we welcome students with diverse interests.
We encourage the RC students to recruit as many of their peers as possible, as the more data we collect, the greater the impact we can have on public health services and the lives of young people.
Roles and responsibilities
TEACHERS – we initially liaise with members of staff at schools to put us in touch with the chosen Research Challenge students and to help support the students with the planning and execution of the data collection (if necessary).
STUDENTS – the Research Challenge students are responsible for the planning and execution of the data collection (receiving training and support from SCAMP researchers), as well as putting forward their own Research Proposal. This project is designed to help students develop their organisational and communication skills, as well as their research and academic abilities. Therefore, it is important for the students to lead the Research Challenge, not the teachers. However, support is always beneficial!
PARENTS – parents are not involved in the Research Challenge in any capacity.
Data Collection Tiers
As part of the Research Challenge data collection visit we ask students to select a Tier based on the preferences of the majority of their peers. Due to our research aims at SCAMP, we are prioritising Tier 4 schools. It is important to note, by choosing Tier 4, this does not oblige students to provide biosamples, but simply allow us to have a stall present for those who wish to provide such.