Elisa Martelletti Talks About In2Research

I am a Royal National Institute for Deaf People-Vivensa Foundation Fellow at Wolfson SPaRC. I am investigating the crosstalk between the immune and cochlear auditory systems and how these systems contribute to the homeostatic maintenance of cochlear physiology and hearing loss. I am also the Culture, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Co-Representative at Wolfson SPaRC.

I first heard about the In2Research programme, developed by In2ScienceUK, through my colleague Dr Morag Lewis, who had previously volunteered with the programme and later joined In2Research. The mission really resonated with me, and with full support from our PI, Professor Karen Steel, I decided to get involved as a placement host in 2022/2023. I was particularly excited to join through the opportunity co-offered by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) with In2Research. This sponsorship allowed me to be a part of a programme that aligned with both my research and my commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.

The application process is straightforward and requires filling out a short form on the In2Research website. As a host, you provide a research project and offer basic training in lab techniques and data analysis. During the 8-week placement, you train students who are committed to the project and eager to learn and contribute to the research. Some of my students even managed to produce a full data set that will be used for a scientific publication, and one will be a co-author.

The impact on the students I hosted has been truly inspiring. Alishba Saleemi (2023/2024) is now pursuing an MSc in Translational Neuroscience at Imperial College London. I was happy to support her further by writing a letter of reference to help her secure a place in the master’s program. Fajar Masood, who joined the lab the following year, is currently studying for a master’s in Experimental Pharmacology and Therapeutics at UCL. I stay in touch with both students, and I am keen to support them as they explore future opportunities, including potential PhD pathways. Seeing their growth has reinforced just how meaningful these placements are in shaping confident, capable future researchers.

My experience has been deeply rewarding, and this summer (2025), I will be hosting a student for the third consecutive year. In the Steel lab, my colleagues Darcey Kirwin and Dr Daniel Pentland are also hosting an In2Research student this summer, sponsored by RNID. As the first person in my working-class family to attend university, I understand how important it is to create opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to the world of research.

I was honoured to be named Placement Host of the Year by In2Research after being nominated by my former student Fajar. Out of around 200 hosts, I was chosen to receive the award at the Celebration Event in September 2024, where students also showcased their research through poster presentations.

I highly encourage others to get involved in the In2Research programme. It offers a fantastic opportunity to support students from diverse backgrounds in exploring research careers. Whether you choose to be a placement host or a mentor, both options provide rewarding ways to contribute to the next generation of researchers. I believe programmes like In2Research are essential for building a more diverse, inclusive research community where every student has the chance to thrive.

The application process typically opens in the summer, with hosts and mentors applying through the In2Research website. Placement hosts submit their projects, while mentors offer guidance and support throughout the summer. Once selected, the placements run over 8 weeks between June and August, with researchers providing training and hands-on experience. Detailed timelines and application instructions can be found here. Getting involved in In2Research is a great way to foster diversity in STEM while benefiting from the experience of mentoring and training future researchers.