Free STEM programme, administered by insendi partner We Speak Science, now open to disadvantaged students globally

Two students using a laboratory

An astronaut who trained with NASA, a University of Oxford A.I. lead and a transatlantic pilot are lecturers in a free programme to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue academic careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Now open for registration to students across the world for the first time, the free STEM programme with not-for-profit organisation We Speak Science has launched in partnership with insendi, a Study Group company.

Course contents

Students will learn the fundamentals of cell biology, space biology and data science, gaining practical knowledge to solve authentic, real-case difficulties that the world faces in the 21st century.

Lectures include volunteer contributions from Professor Vladimir Pletser, who trained as an astronaut with NASA, Ajit Jaokar, the Artificial Intelligence Course Director at the University of Oxford, David Mackay, a pilot with Virgin Atlantic, and We Speak Science founder, Dr Detina Zalli.

Discussion forums, e-learning and live classes will be delivered through digital learning platform, insendi, giving students access to the learning material at any time and from any location.

The  course starts on 27 February and will run for three weeks.  

How to apply

To qualify, students should demonstrate an interest in STEM and can enrol here.

Places are limited and preference will be given to applicants from a low socio-economic background.

Hegi is a We Speak Science and aspiring medical student:

Hegi tells us: “Because of We Speak Science, I was able to apply to University College  London, Imperial College London, University of Birmingham, and King’s College London. Just like how atoms are the foundation of the world, We Speak Science became the foundation to my future.”

Dr Detina Zalli, co-founder and president of We Speak Science, comments:

“I understand how hard it is to access quality education having personal experience of escaping civil war in Albania. We Speak Science will continue to provide educational services to those in need, on a global basis for the first time, thanks to our new partnership with insendi.”

James Connor, Managing Director, insendi, comments:

"Our mission is to create the best online and blended experiences for our partners and their learners. We’re launching this digital programme on International Day of Education to support more budding scientists into an academic future in STEM.”

Ian Crichton, Chief Executive Officer, Study Group adds:

"Very simply, global education is one of the most powerful tools we have to unlock solutions for today’s biggest global challenges and needs to touch as many people as possible. With the launch of this programme, young people from around the world can connect, study STEM and be given the support and inspiration to have a positive impact in the world."