Celebrating National Careers Week and British Science Week

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science sent this bulletin at 06-03-2026 01:30 PM GMT

06 March 2026

As we mark both National Careers Week and British Science Week 2026, this special Blast Careers Edition celebrates the work Cefas is doing to inspire the next generation of aquatic scientists.

Our latest blog, Opening up the Ocean: Why Diverse Voices are Vital for the Future of Marine Science, explores why marine science remains one of the least diverse disciplines in the UK, and what Cefas and its partners are doing to change that, from school engagement and research vessel visits to our free Exploring Careers in Aquatic Science resources.

This week, in the spirit of the British Science Association's #BSW26 campaign- #SmashingStereotypes, we will be sharing a series of myth-busting posts across our social media channels every day, showcasing the remarkable breadth of people and pathways that make up aquatic science.

Finally, we are pleased to share some exciting news about the expansion of our work experience programme. Building on a successful pilot, Cefas will be welcoming students across both our Lowestoft and Weymouth sites this summer, offering a week-long, structured insight into the many careers that underpin our science.

We hope this edition inspires you and the young people in your networks!

Natalie Barrett - Engagement Officer

British Science Week (BSW26) - #SmashingStereotypes

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths that takes place between 6th - 15th March 2026! Alongside the theme of 'Curiosity', the organisers from British Science Association are running an additional week-long campaign, 'Smashing Stereotypes', showcases how science is for everyone: whatever your interests, background, or career path.

Through our careers videos and resources, we have aimed to support curiosity and showcase the breadth and diversity of careers in aquatic science. The careers pack: Exploring Careers in Aquatic Science, features 10 individuals working across a range of roles, from benthic taxonomists and marine engineers to fish health inspectors and computer scientists. Each individual shares their diverse pathways into their career. We've pulled these out further in a series of Myth Busting posts that we will be sharing all next week on social media as part of BSW26.

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Opening up the ocean: Why diverse voices are vital for the future of marine science

Marine science plays a vital role in protecting our rivers, seas and oceans, yet many people still don’t see it as a career that’s open to them. Environmental careers remain among the least ethnically diverse in the UK, and this lack of representation begins early, shaped by perceptions, access to information and the visibility of role models.

Our latest blog, Opening up the ocean: why diverse voices are vital for the future of marine science, explores why this matters and what can be done to change it. Drawing on research and real‑world experience, the blog looks at the barriers that prevent young people from considering marine science careers and how early engagement can reshape those perceptions.

The blog also highlights practical action at Cefas, including school engagement and visits aboard the RV Cefas Endeavour, alongside our Exploring Careers in Aquatic Science resources. These free careers videos and packs showcase the breadth of roles across aquatic science and the many different pathways into the sector, from apprenticeships to degrees.

Read the blog

Expansion of Cefas Work Experience

Following the successful pilot of Cefas Work Experience in Lowestoft last year, we are pleased to be able to hosting more students this year. Cefas will be offering a structured, one week work experience programme in July for Year 12 students studying courses relevant to the hosting work areas.

Placements will take place at our Lowestoft and Weymouth sites and provide insight into careers supporting marine and freshwater science through project work, training and time spent with colleagues across multiple disciplines. The programme aims to inspire the next generation and showcase the breadth of roles at Cefas—science and nonscience alike.

How to apply: Applications are managed through participating local colleges and sixth forms who will provide Cefas with applications to consider. If you are in either Lowestoft or Weymouth, please speak to the careers department at your college to find out if they are taking part. Colleges will invite eligible students to submit an Expression of Interest when the programme opens. Placements are normally advertised with colleges during British Science Week.

Please note that we are unable to offer work experience outside of the existing programme and students cannot apply directly to Cefas.

Cefas Careers

Want to get involved?

National Careers Week and British Science Week are only just the beginning.

We encourage anyone interested in our work to keep an eye on our careers page, follow us on social media, and watch for announcements in upcoming newsletters.