Neurogenetics Institute · Science Club
Science Club
5 Weeks. One Research Challenge.
Learn to think like a scientist. A live, research-led programme where young learners don't memorise science — they do it: question, hypothesise, investigate, analyse and communicate real findings.
KS3 · Senior Scientist — Ages 11–14 · Mondays 9:00 AM UK · 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 November 2026
This is not a children's science activity club. It is a structured introduction to scientific research and scientific thinking — live sessions led by scientists, framed by the same method every scientist follows.
Learn to think like a scientist
The Research Framework
Every cohort follows the scientific method — the same five stages, whatever the theme
Whatever the subject, every five-week cohort runs on the same rigorous framework — so students don't just learn topics, they learn how science itself works.
Choose your research journey
Few choices. Many discoveries.
The programme looks simple from the outside — two challenges, one framework. Underneath, every cohort × every Scientist stage × every research technique is a different investigation. That is the point: a small structure that never repeats itself.
The Single Challenge
One 5-week research cohort. Choose Genetics & DNA or The Brain & Neuroscience at enrolment.
£100
Start with one →The Double Challenge
Both launch cohorts — Genetics & DNA AND The Brain & Neuroscience. Ten weeks of research, two competency assessments.
£180 £200
The research techniques you master along the way
…and each cohort theme adds its own specialist techniques on top. Few choices — many discoveries.
Learn from scientists
Meet the people behind the science
Students don't just learn about scientific discoveries — they learn directly from scientists through live, interactive sessions, guided investigations and research challenges.
Led by a PhD-qualified scientist
Your tutor holds a PhD in chemistry — the sessions are taught by someone who has done the research, not just read about it.
Research-led, not textbook-led
Every cohort is built around how scientists actually work: questions, hypotheses, evidence and the honest analysis of results.
Real scientific thinking
Students practise the scepticism and rigour of real research — asking "is this really what we're seeing?" is taught, not assumed.
The 5-Week Research Challenge
Five weeks. One research journey.
Each week builds toward the final research challenge — students formulate a question, investigate it, analyse their findings and communicate their conclusion.
Observation vs assumption, asking testable questions, forming hypotheses, identifying variables and designing a fair test.
Applying the scientific method through structured investigations — collecting real measurements and evidence.
Organising, interpreting and analysing data — turning observations into evidence.
The cohort theme connects to real research: medicine, genetics, neuroscience and beyond.
Students run their own mini research project — question to conclusion — and communicate their findings.
Every cohort includes five live interactive weekly mentorship workshops, downloadable research workbooks, full session recordings for flexible review and deep study, and a formal competency assessment.
The Scientific Progression Pathway
We do not award participation certificates
Progression is based on proven competency, not age. The November 2026 cohort runs at two levels, and both certifications are earned by mastering practical research skills — what the student can actually do, not just attendance.
| Cohort | Level | Core competencies mastered | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| KS2 · Young Scientist | Investigator | Formulating testable questions and predictions, executing a structured method, rigorous observation and data collection. | Ages 7–11 · Sunday mornings |
| KS3 · Senior Scientist | Researcher | Formal hypotheses, isolating and identifying variables, advanced data analysis and critical evaluation of evidence. | Ages 11–14 · Monday mornings |
Students may enter at their age band; advanced tier progression requires successful completion of the preceding competency qualification.
Cohort Themes
Explore scientific worlds
The framework stays the same — the subject changes every season.
Week 1 Thinking Like a Geneticist · Week 2 DNA & Inheritance · Week 3 Variation & Traits · Week 4 Genetics in Medicine · Week 5 Young Geneticist Research Challenge
Week 1 Thinking Like a Neuroscientist · Week 2 Reaction Time & Attention · Week 3 Memory & Learning · Week 4 The Developing Brain · Week 5 Neuroscience Research Challenge
Cells, microorganisms, microscopy and contamination investigations.
Materials, reactions and forensic-style scientific reasoning.
Body systems, measurements and human biology investigations.
Ecosystems, environmental change and scientific evidence.
Questions
For parents
Who teaches the sessions?
The sessions are led by scientists — your tutor holds a PhD in chemistry — with the programme built around how real research is done.
Who is Science Club for?
Young learners roughly ages 7–16, grouped into Scientist stages (Junior, Young, Senior, Research). Age bands are guidance — the stage is selected at registration.
Is this just a science activity class?
No. It is a structured introduction to scientific research: every cohort follows the scientific method — question, hypothesis, method, investigation, data, analysis, conclusion, communication.
How long does it run and what does it cost?
Five weeks, £100 — including five live interactive mentorship workshops, research workbooks, full session recordings and a formal competency assessment.
Is it live?
Yes — live interactive weekly cohorts, and every session is recorded for flexible review and deep study.
Do students need previous science knowledge?
No. The programme is designed for the selected stage and builds the scientific thinking from the ground up.
What do students actually do?
They investigate: ask questions, form hypotheses, collect and analyse data, and complete a final research challenge they present to the cohort.
Do students receive a certificate?
Yes — a tiered Scientist certification based on demonstrated competency, not participation. It is the first step on the Scientific Progression Pathway.
Can my child progress further?
Yes — the pathway continues through future cohorts and themes, with each certification earned through demonstrated research competency.