University of Cambridge Inspiring Scientists at Cambridge 2027
University of Cambridge
Create a free account to applyWant hands-on lab experience and a head start on uni in STEM? Join a free widening-participation programme at the University of Cambridge to explore biomedical research, work in real labs, and connect with academics—build skills, boost your application, and discover routes into scientific study.
Inspiring Scientists at Cambridge (ISAC) is a free widening-participation work experience programme for Year 12 students interested in scientific research or medicine. It is run by research institutes at the University of Cambridge and gives participants a chance to experience life in a biomedical research environment while exploring routes into university and future study in STEM-related fields.
During the four-day February half-term programme, students spend time in research laboratories, shadow researchers, run their own experiments, and prepare a short presentation on their work. They also take part in interactive seminars, guided tours and demonstrations of scientific facilities, and a dedicated day in partnership with a Cambridge college, including a college tour, lunch, and guidance on applying to Cambridge and other universities.
The programme is aimed at widening participation and is designed for students who may face barriers to accessing Cambridge or similar opportunities. Selection is based on specific eligibility criteria, with priority given to applicants who meet the most widening-participation indicators.
Reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed, lunch is provided, and applicants must be able to travel daily to Cambridge.
20 Nov 2026
15 Feb 2027 – 18 Feb 2027
February Half Term 2027
Location
- Must be attending a state-funded school in or around Cambridgeshire.
- Must be in Year 12 and aged 16 or over at the time of the programme.
- Must be studying at least two STEM subjects at A level, or at least two STEM subjects at higher level as part of the International Baccalaureate, or the Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
- Must have grade 7 or higher in GCSE Maths, Biology, and at least one other science (or equivalent qualifications).
- Must be able to travel to Cambridge daily for the duration of the programme.
- Priority criterion: currently in, or previously in, local authority care.
- Priority criterion: eligible for free school meals.
- Priority criterion: eligible for pupil premium.
- Priority criterion: a young carer for a family member.
- Priority criterion: parents or carers did not attend university.
- Priority criterion: lives in an area with lower participation in higher education (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2).
- Priority criterion: has experienced significant disruption to secondary education (for example, illness, moving schools more than once, or significant relocation).
- Priority criterion: has an ethnicity under-represented at the University of Cambridge (including Black African, Black Caribbean, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Gypsy, Roma or Traveller origin).
Free programme. Reasonable travel costs are reimbursed (including bus, train, or petrol expenses), and lunch is provided. Taxi and Uber fares are not reimbursed, and overnight accommodation costs are not reimbursed.
Free to attend. Reasonable travel costs are reimbursed and lunch is provided.
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