Scientist-in-Residence
Scientists are matched with New York City public school teachers to conduct a year-long classrooom project that engages middle school students in authentic research.
Applications for the 2026–2027 Scientist-in-Residence Program will open in Spring 2026.
A Partnership Between Teachers and Scientists
Studies have continually shown that young people who are exposed to science through active, inquiry-based learning are more likely to pursue a STEM career. And one of the most effective ways to engage students in this type of learning is to give them the opportunity to conduct genuine scientific research with a real scientist!
Created in cooperation with the New York City Department of Education in 2012, the Scientist-in-Residence (SiR) program matches scientists with NYC public school teachers to bring scientific inquiry to life in the classroom. By combining their content and pedagogical expertise, each scientist-teacher pair will develop and implement a year-long project that prepares students to engage in authentic research and spark their interest in STEM learning.
For Scientists
Are you a scientist interested in sharing your passion for research with the next generation? The SiR program offers you a unique opportunity to collaborate with an NYC public school teacher, bring your work into the classroom, and help students experience the excitement of real scientific discovery.
For Teachers
Are you a NYC public school teacher eager to deepen your students’ engagement with science? Partnering with a scientist through the SiR program gives you the chance to co-create and deliver a hands-on, inquiry-based science project tailored to your curriculum and students.
Our Impact
Since our launch, we have paired over 300 teachers and scientists, and impacted 17,000+ students! Check out the map below to see some of the schools where we’ve put a Scientist-in-Residence.
Check out highlights from our May 2023 SiR Student Showcase:
Why should you become a Scientist-in-Residence?
If you are a graduate student, postdoc or STEM professional and want to make a difference in the lives of students in the NYC area, then this program is for you! We’ll match you with a motivated STEM teacher and together you’ll create a hands-on, research based project for your students to work on throughout the year.
By serving as a role model and an example of a real-world scientist, you can inspire curiosity and excitement about STEM topics, and positively influence the career aspirations of students from underserved communities. Through the program, you’ll receive training and hands-on experience in teaching methods and strategies, and get the chance to develop your own mentorship skills.
Need more incentive? Accepted scientists will also receive a stipend and a yearlong Membership to The New York Academy of Sciences!
Important Dates for 2025 – 2026:
- June 13: Applications deadline (note: all applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and qualified applicants will be contacted for a phone interview)
- July 25: Accepted applicants notified
Mandatory events:
- August 8: Scientist Orientation (virtual; scientists only)
- August 23: Summer Institute Orientation Group 1 (in-person)
- August 24: Summer Institute Orientation Group 2 (in-person)
- October 20: Fall Individual Check-In (virtual)
- November 12, 13, 18, 20: Cluster Sessions (virtual)
- February 4: Winter Institute Group 1 (in-person)
- February 5: Winter Institute Group 2 (in-person)
- March: Cluster Sessions (virtual)
- May: Student Showcase (in-person, date TBD)
It was exciting for me to see the enthusiasm of students when we first gave them their [laser thermometers]. We spent time on the school roof taking temperatures and learning how to best record data. I think the active nature of this exercise really helped students stay engaged.
—Scientist Participant, SiR 2022-23
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time is involved?
- The program year runs from approximately Sept – May, during which time each SiR team will schedule at least 10 sessions for the scientist to visit the classroom.
- Scientists and teachers will also meet outside of class time to develop their project and teaching as needed.
- Scientists will attend training sessions (both virtual and in-person) in August as well as a planning session in October and January (see timeline above for more details).
- All participants should also plan on attending the End-of-Program Celebration in May.
What are my responsibilities as a Scientist-in-Residence?
- Specific responsibilities will differ depending on the circumstances of each teacher and classroom. At a minimum, scientists will collaborate with the teachers to develop a research project, supervise experiments, and support classroom instruction on project design and implementation, and in creating a final presentation.
- Teams will be asked to submit regular progress reports and check in with the Program Manager as needed.
How much is the scientist stipend and will I be reimbursed for anything else?
- Each SiR team will have a $500 budget for their project materials.
- Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a stipend of $500. Limited travel reimbursements are also available for scientists to support travel to schools.
- All participants will also receive a complimentary Membership to The New York Academy of Sciences.
Note: All participants will be required to complete necessary tax forms prior to receiving a stipend.
Who is eligible to apply?
Qualified Scientists are:
- Graduate students, postdocs, or professionals from STEM disciplines who are interested in improving their pedagogical and communication skills and expanding their teaching experience
- Located within commuting distance of New York City and/or willing to travel within the five boroughs
- Available and committed to attend all trainings and meetings
How do I apply?
- Applications are open from approximately May – June each year.
- Prior to entering schools, all applicants are subject to a background check, administered by the Department of Education and the Department of Health (at no cost to the scientist).
Why should you become a SiR Host Teacher?
By becoming a Scientist-in-Residence Host Teacher you’ll have the chance to bring a real Scientist into your classroom to help motivate and inspire your students. Together, you and your partner will develop an inquiry-based project that encourages students to think critically using the scientific method, while also expanding your repertoire of replicable STEM lesson plans. Host Teachers in past cohorts have reported higher engagement with their students and the added benefit of updating their curricula to incorporate current scientific topics and methodologies.
Need more incentive? Accepted teachers will also receive a stipend and a yearlong Membership to The New York Academy of Sciences!
Important Dates for 2025 – 2026:
- June 13: Applications deadline (note: all applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and qualified applicants will be contacted for a phone interview)
- August 1: Accepted applicants notified
Mandatory events:
- August 23: Summer Institute Orientation Group 1 (in-person)
- August 24: Summer Institute Orientation Group 2 (in-person)
- October 20: Fall Individual Check-In (virtual)
- November 12, 13, 18, 20: Cluster Sessions (virtual)
- February 4: Winter Institute Group 1 (in-person)
- February 5: Winter Institute Group 2 (in-person)
- March: Cluster Sessions (virtual)
- May: Student Showcase (in-person, date TBD)
I got to enhance our Human Body System unit, which felt a bit dense and abstract for our students last year. I’m excited to introduce it through the lens of neuroscience thanks to the partnership with our scientist.
—Teacher Participant, SiR 2022-23
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time is involved?
- The program year runs from approximately Sept – May, during which time each SiR team will schedule at least 10 sessions for the scientist to visit the classroom.
- Scientists and teachers will also meet outside of class time to develop their project and teaching as needed.
- Teachers will attend an in-person training session in August, as well as a planning sessions in October and January (see above timeline for more details).
- All participants should also plan on attending the End-of-Program Celebration in May with representatives from their class.
What is my responsibility as a SiR Host Teacher?
- Prior to the scientist’s first visit, Host Teachers will prepare students and the school for the implementation of the Scientist-in-Residence program.
- Teachers will collaborate with their partner scientist to ensure the project and related activities are aligned with STEM standards and provide support in classroom management and content delivery.
- Teachers will coordinate the attendance and participation of students in our End-of-Program showcase.
- Teams will also be asked to submit regular progress reports and check in with the Program Manager as needed.
How much is the teacher stipend and will I be reimbursed for anything else?
- Each SiR team will have a $500 budget for their project materials and supplies.
- Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a stipend of $500.
- All participants will also receive a complimentary membership to The New York Academy of Sciences.
Note: All participants will be required to complete necessary tax forms prior receiving a stipend.
Who is eligible to apply?
Qualified Host Teachers are:
- New York City public/charter school science teachers in grades 2-12, who are interested in implementing a year-long STEM project and welcoming a scientist into their classroom
- Have at least 1 full year of teaching experience
- Available and committed to attend all trainings and meetings
- Dedicated teachers who are open to continuing the project or implementing it with different cohorts of students after the program
How do I apply?
- Applications are open from approximately May – June each year.
Overview
Building on over a decade of programming success in NYC, the Scientist-in-Residence (SIR) program expanded to Elizabeth, New Jersey, in 2023. This exciting growth marks a new chapter for the program, where we hope to bring authentic mentorship and hands-on STEM experiences to students beyond the five boroughs.
Impact
Through SIR NJ, students have the opportunity to meet and engage with scientists who share their passion for STEM and their own career journeys. Students participate in hands-on activities that allow them to discover the joy and creativity inherent in scientific thinking, and to see themselves as capable science thinkers and learners.
During the 2024-25 school year, one third-grade classroom had students go beyond traditional textbook learning and build coastal models with real sand to help them understand concepts of beach erosion and its impact on human and animal communities. Another fifth-grade class was able to incorporate a field trip to Kean University, where they toured a greenhouse and a geology and biogeochemistry lab, allowing them to see firsthand the work scientists in their area are engaged in.
Through these experiences, students can connect what they learn in the classroom with real-world applications.
“[The] program seamlessly integrated with our existing curriculum. The scientist was excellent at developing and delivering lessons that directly aligned with our learning standards…. The excitement and engagement from my students during the scientist’s visit were palpable, and it reinforced the value of bringing real-world scientific expertise into the classroom. I’m very much looking forward to my students participating in the program again next year.”
—SIR NJ Teacher
Applications for SIR NJ are currently closed. Educators and Scientists interested in participating should check back in Summer 2026 to apply for the next cohort.
SiR is possible because of generous support from our program sponsors:
Fred J. Brotherton Charitable Foundation
The PCLB Foundation
The Carson Family Charitable Trust
Robert Catell
Hearst Foundation
Infosys Foundation USA
Konstantin Shakhnovich
R. May Lee and John P. Hall
Mushett Family Foundation
Edith Neimark
The Pinkerton Foundation
Click here to find out how your organization can help support programs like this!
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Contact Us
For more information, contact sir@nyas.org.