SCIENTISTS from several European countries are helping North-East pupils get to grips with their pet subject.

The pupils, who have Durham University mentors, are taking part in one of two projects of its type in England.

Scientists in Residence (SiR) brings together youngsters and researchers from Italy, Belgium, Norway and Germany at the Science Learning Centre North-East, in Pity Me, near Durham City. The programme encourages pupils to consider a career in science and was initiated by Dr Alan Craig, lecturer in mathematical sciences at Durham University, and Dr Sally Preston, director of the centre.

The pupils, from schools with a special interest in science, have a postgraduate student or postdoctoral researcher as a mentor to help them and give them further insights into career options for science, and are working on small projects that incorporate a specific scientific discipline, from engineering to life sciences.

One of the projects is studying the environmental footprint of the students' households, in particular energy use.

Dr Craig said: "Science shapes the world in which we live, from iPods to medicine, yet many young people have only a very vague idea of what it might be like to work in a scientific career.

"We aim not only to give the pupils a glimpse of the day-to-day life of a scientist, but also to show that it is a world where there are no international boundaries and where today's school pupil could, in a few years, find themselves with a rewarding career in a global and mobile environment."