Student Engagement Panel

Be part of the change

We’re bringing together a group of passionate students of colour to help shape the future of ecology, environmental science, and citizen science in the UK. As a member of our Student Engagement Panel, you’ll share your ideas, take part in creative workshops, and get paid for making a difference.

Key Dates

All participants are expected to attend three activities: the Welcome + Briefing meeting (20/10), one CS day(options 1, 2 or 3) and one Reflection Workshop (option A, B or C). By completing all tasks, participants will be paid an additional £50.

1 October 2025 at noon – Applications open
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15 October 2025 at noon – Applications close
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17 October 2025 at noon– Successful applicants notified, groups will be assigned
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20 October 2025 (1.5 - 2 hours, time TBC)– Welcome and briefing meeting -Online
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21 October: Option 1: Citizen Science Day- BioBlitz at Roundhay Park, Leeds
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22 October: Option 2: Citizen Science Day-Plantlife at Three Hagges Woodmeadow Nature Reserve, York
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28 October: Option B: Reflection workshop- Online(1.5 - 2 hours, time TBC)
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29 October: Option 3: Citizen Science Day-British Trust for Ornithology session at Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield
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5 November: Option A: Reflection workshop- Online(1.5 - 2 hours, time TBC)
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10 December 2025 , time TBC – Optional follow-up meeting (online, invitation-only, offered to candidates who made exceptional contributions earlier in the programme. Additional payment provided.)

Application Form

Apply to join the CAREERS Student Engagement Panel

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from undergraduate and postgraduate students of colour at the Universities of York, Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, or Sheffield Hallam, with an interest in ecology, environmental science, citizen science, or related fields.

Do I need previous experience?

No – enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to share your ideas are what matter most.

Is this a paid role?

You’ll be paid around £20 per hour for each activity, plus a bonus if you complete everything:

Pre-activity (survey + briefing session, 2 hrs) = £40

Activity day (7 hrs) = £140

Post-activity (survey + interview, 3 hrs) = £60

Bonus for completing all three stages, to an exceptional standard = £50

Optional extra:

Some participants will be invited to join a co-development process where we reflect on results and shape future activities to increase recruitment of people of colour into environmental study, careers, and citizen science. This may be online or in-person, and will use tools like Jamboard, Padlet, and recorded discussions. Payment = £40–£60, depending on time spent.

Do I have to attend all the dates?

We are seeking participants who can commit to attending fully to three activities. To take part you’ll need to attend:
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The welcome and briefing meeting (20th of Oct)
One Citizen Science day (21st/ 22nd/ 29th of Oct)
One reflection workshop (27th/ 28th/ 30th of Oct)

We will be running additional meetings in 2025 to build on the findings from this stage of the project, but paid participation in these meetings is optional and by invitation only.

How will sessions take place?

To take part, you must attend the welcome meeting on the 20th of Oct, one Citizen Science day and one reflection workshop.

ONLINE: Welcome and briefing meeting (20th of Oct)
IN PERSON: One Citizen Science day (21st/ 22nd/ 29th of Oct)
ONLINE: One reflection workshop (27th/ 28th/ 30th of Oct)

Online activities will be via zoom with links and joining information shared at least 48 hours prior to the event.

In person Citizen Science days will be at accessible locations (details provided after selection) with all transport and catering provided. Debrief and follow-up meetings will be online.

What will I actually do?

Each fieldwork day is different, but you’ll get the chance to step into the shoes of an environmental scientist. You might:

Record pollinators such as butterflies, bees, or moths using simple timed counts.
Survey plants or birds, learning how to identify species and understand their habitats.
Join a bat walk, using detectors to listen to echolocation and discover how scientists monitor bats.
Take part in a Bioblitz, working in teams to explore a site and see how many species you can find across different habitats.
Use real science tools like ID guides, apps, and fieldwork journals to capture your findings.

Every activity is guided by experts, with plenty of time to reflect and share your experiences.

I have more questions - who can I contact?

Please reach out via our Contact Us page or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Note: We use the terms People of Colour and Students of Colour respectfully, while recognising the limitations and complexities of these terms. We value the importance of acknowledging, respecting, and celebrating the cultural and ethnic identities of individuals within the broad categories they describe.