RESTRICTED social mobility is a major problem in the UK today, and the ever-widening divide it reinforces threatens the economic and social cohesion of the country.

The Social Mobility Commission has found that almost 60 per cent of academics and life science professionals, and more than 50 per cent of scientists in general, come from professional or managerial backgrounds. In comparison, the corresponding figures for those from working-class backgrounds are less than 15 per cent and 6 per cent.

In2scienceUK鈥檚 mission is to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds progress into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. The charity aims to not only improve social mobility, but also encourage a more diverse and inclusive science culture. We do this by offering those studying STEM subjects work placements with researchers in academia and industry. Could you or someone in your group volunteer to host one of our students for two weeks?

Volunteers are given support to ensure both they and the students they host get the most out of the experience. All our students are interviewed prior to any placement, and are given careers advice and university-access workshops.

The programme鈥檚 impact is excellent: 83 per cent of our students go to university, with 58 per cent attending a top one. Normally, only 16 per cent of students on free school meals, a key socio-economic indicator, go to university (and only 2 per cent get into highly selective institutions).

We offer researchers a chance to make a lasting difference to some of the most disadvantaged and under-represented groups in the UK. At present, the scheme runs mainly in London and Oxford, but we will be expanding nationwide over the next few years. Sign-up closes in early June, for flexible placements running throughout the summer. In2scienceUK