Science Council: Call-to-Action!
Event: The entwined evolution of AI and the science workforce: shaping the future
Date: 6 July 2026 (9:30 -16:30)
Location: Royal Society of Chemistry (Burlington House, London)
Panel session title: How AI may reshape early career pathways and trajectories in the science workforce
We are looking for someone undertaking their apprenticeship and using AI in their work to take part in this panel discussion. We are keen to hear the experiences of someone earlier in their science career and how they see AI impacting their career now and in the future.
They will be discussing this issue alongside Laurie Smith, Head of Mission Discovery at NESTA and Dr Anjulika Salhan, CEO of System Holdings. It will be a Chaired discussion, with each panellist providing a 5-minute overview of their personal perspectives and then it will open to questions/comments from the audience.
The audience will be senior leaders from a diverse range of science organisations including representatives from our Members, science employers and policy/government staff.
The event includes keynote speakers, Professor Chris Johnson (Chief Scientific Advisor, DSIT), and Professor Charlotte Deane (Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and UKRI AI Senior Responsible Owner), as well as a variety of plenary panels and parallel sessions/workshops.
If you are interested in taking part please email s.west@sciencecouncil.org
Innovation Literacy Programme
We're pleased to share an exciting opportunity on behalf of The Institute of Science and Technology (IST).
IST, in collaboration with Innovate UK and Greater Manchester Colleges, are currently offering a fantastic apprentice training opportunity for 2026. The, free of charge, 2 day Innovation Literacy programme, is being held in Manchester, on 4th & 5th March 2026.
IST are also generously offering to fund reasonable travel costs for its current apprentice members and for any apprentice who applies for and is awarded IST Membership by 1st January 2026.
Places are limited and registration closes on 30th January 2026. Detailed information, including benefits to both the apprentice and their employer can be found at below.
This is a great chance to build your innovation skills, meet apprentices from across the country, and take part in a programme backed by respected scientific and technical organisations.
If this opportunity interests you, we strongly encourage you to explore the details and register as soon as possible as places are limited!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us or contact IST directly.
Winners!
The Science Apprenticeship Forum win the 'Commitment to Skills & Training' award at the Lab
Innovations Conference 2025
This recognition highlights our dedication to offering skill development opportunities to science apprentices and advancing science apprenticeship programmes.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our apprentices, supporters and collaborators whose hard work and passion have made this possible. Together we hope to continue shaping the future of science through making continuous meaningful impact in the science apprenticeship space!
Best Practice Guidelines for
Science
Apprenticeships
How do we ensure our science apprenticeships aren't just meeting the standard, but setting the standard?
Download the Best Practice Guidelines for Science Apprenticeships - a document shaped directly by apprentices from across the UK.
In this document, you will:
- Hear directly from apprentices about what makes the biggest impact
- Explore key themes including mentorship, inclusion, EPA prep & mental health
- Discover 3 quick wins to apply in your organisation immediately
- Take part in a live poll: What will YOU commit to doing next?
Let's build science apprenticeships that work for everyone.
