Psychologists Urge BPS to Restore Psychology Zone
A united group of psychologists from across the UK has come forward to urge the British Psychological Society (BPS) to reinstate its support for the Psychology Zone in the science engagement program I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here. This powerful initiative once connected thousands of students with psychology professionals, fostering curiosity and breaking down barriers to scientific understanding.
Psychologists Demand Reinstatement of Essential Education Program
More than 80 psychologists have signed a public letter calling on the BPS to reverse its decision to stop funding the Psychology Zone. The initiative, which ran from 2017 to 2024, played a vital role in introducing young minds to psychological science in an engaging and accessible format.
What Was the Psychology Zone All About?
The Psychology Zone was part of I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here—an award-winning platform that allows students to directly ask scientists questions in real time. For psychology specifically, it enabled students to explore human behaviour, mental health, and research through direct conversations with real psychologists.
Key Features of the Psychology Zone:
- Interactive, text-based Q&A sessions with psychologists
- Safe environment for students to ask bold or personal questions
- Encouraged career interest in psychology
- Built science communication skills among researchers
The Role of the British Psychological Society
The BPS funded the Psychology Zone for seven years, helping bridge the gap between professionals and schools. This support created opportunities for students from all backgrounds to engage with psychology as a science, not just a therapy-related discipline.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Student Reach | Over 20,000 students yearly |
| Psychologist Participation | 500+ scientists, but very few psychologists post-2024 |
| Equity and Accessibility | Reached rural and underserved schools |
| Long-Term Value | Boosted public speaking and outreach skills in academics |
Consequences of Funding Withdrawal
Since the BPS ended funding in 2024, the Psychology Zone has been removed. While other sciences remain active, psychology is now missing from one of the UK’s most accessible outreach platforms. This absence may contribute to a decline in student interest in psychological sciences.
Why This Program Deserves Immediate Revival
Psychologists argue that no other initiative offers the same value, reach, and inclusivity. They stress that funding this program aligns with the BPS’s mission to promote psychology to the public in innovative ways.
Benefits of the Psychology Zone:
- Encouraged inclusivity and equal representation
- Reached students with special educational needs
- Supported early-career psychologists in developing science communication skills
- Delivered measurable, scalable impact nationwide
Real Impact, Real Change
Participants in the program report long-term benefits. For many early-career researchers, it was their first opportunity to engage with the public meaningfully. Some have gone on to become national-level science communicators due to the skills they gained through this platform.
“The Psychology Zone demystified the field and showed students they belong in science,” shared one participant.
The Need for Inclusivity in Psychology Outreach
Psychologists emphasize that one of the strengths of the program was its inclusive approach. It brought psychologists from different ethnicities, genders, regions, and specialisms into the same virtual space—allowing students to connect with people they could relate to.
🔸 Why Reinstating the Psychology Zone Matters:
- Builds a pipeline of future psychologists from all backgrounds
- Increases understanding of mental health in schools
- Aligns with national curriculum and career guidance goals
- Reduces inequality in science access
- Encourages youth involvement in community mental health and research
A Collective Plea to the British Psychological Society
The open letter, signed by lecturers, professors, PhD researchers, and clinicians, asks the BPS to demonstrate leadership. Reinstating funding would send a clear message that the Society values public education, diversity, and the future of the profession.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
If BPS recommits funding, the Psychology Zone can be reintroduced quickly with proven success metrics. Psychologists are ready to volunteer their time—the infrastructure already exists. What’s needed is institutional support to reconnect with thousands of curious students across the country.
FAQs About Psychology Zone
1. What is the Psychology Zone?
It was an online outreach space where students interacted with psychologists in real-time, asking questions and exploring the field.
2. Why did the BPS stop funding it?
While no formal reason has been made public, budget decisions led to the program’s exclusion in 2024.
3. Who benefits from this initiative?
Students, especially in underfunded schools, and early-career psychologists looking to improve their communication skills.
4. Is it still possible to bring it back?
Yes. With renewed funding, the platform can resume immediately, given its existing structure and proven impact.
5. What can the public do to help?
Sharing the petition, contacting the BPS, or raising awareness on social platforms can help advocate for its return.
