Volunteer information

"Our programme's great asset is its volunteer base: people who are willing to share their time, enthusiasm, passion and knowledge of science with young people"

- Dr. Charles Jenkins, Originator of Lab in a Lorry.

Programme summary

Lab in a Lorry aims to enthuse the next generation of scientists and engineers by giving young people (11-14 year olds) the opportunity to participate in experimental science in the way that it actually happens in the world of science: exploratory, often accidental, and informed by curiosity and intuition.

A partnership programme between the Institute of Physics and the Schlumberger Foundation, with other partners coming onboard, our aim is to make science interesting, fun and accessible to the 11-14 year olds that Lab in a Lorry visits across the UK & Ireland.

The science experiments that the young people will conduct during the programme will challenge their creativity, develop their teamwork skills and cultivate the inquisitive and resourceful approach needed to encourage more positive perceptions of the possibilities that science offers.

We have developed Lab in a Lorry because of our concerns about the long-term supply of scientists and engineers in the UK & Ireland and the public's support for and engagement in science.

Each of the three lorries is a self-contained mobile physics laboratory experience  that rolls up and is ready to go. Year-round, the vehicles will tour the UK & Ireland visiting schools, festivals and anywhere our primary audience (11-14 year olds and their influencers) is likely to be. 

Each lorry will be staffed by volunteers who are practising scientists and engineers. 'Practising' refers not only to those individuals who currently work in or study science but also to those who have studied science and engineering (or have a keen interest) but have pursued careers in other areas such as managerial, financial, consulting and design etc.

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