About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level chemistry students
Join us at Chemistry in Action this autumn where an engaging line-up of experienced scientists from academia and industry are ready to share their passion and insight across a range of exciting topics. From the fundamental building blocks of matter to the cutting-edge technologies that are changing our world, this inspiring day is sure to spark curiosity in your class.
This day also includes a special session on exam success, giving students practical tools and tips to help them excel. With interactive polls, opportunities to put questions directly to the speakers, and some live experiments to keep you on the edge of your seat – Chemistry in Action is a must for all KS5 chemistry students. Book now to secure your places!
Host: Dr Alex Baker (Organic Chemist) Exam Session: Peter Hoare (Former Techer, Newcastle University)
“A really interesting day full of encouragement to explore science and chemistry further”
— Oakham School, Autumn 2025 —
Programme & speakers
The Afterlife of Atoms: Saving Lives and Exploring Space with Nuclear Waste Tim Gregory, Nuclear Scientist and Author
Discover the incredible potential locked inside the byproducts of nuclear power. These exotic isotopes can be concocted into nuclear medicines that diagnose and treat illness at the smallest scale, or fashioned into long-lasting power sources for spacecraft — enabling exploration across the solar system and, before long, thriving settlements on the Moon… and beyond.
About Dr Tim Gregory
Tim is a nuclear chemist whose lab work takes him to the forefront of clean energy production, nuclear medicine research, and space exploration. With a PhD in meteorite science he has also appeared on BBC4’s The Sky at Night and the BBC2 series Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes?
Poisons: Killer chemicals and deadly doses Kathryn Harkup, Author and Science Communicator
Dive into the dark side of the periodic table, exploring the chemistry behind once-trusted treatments now known to be deadly poisons. Discover how these infamous chemicals disrupt the body with sometimes fatal consequences. Equal parts chemistry, crime, and cautionary tale, this talk reveals how deadly science can be — and why understanding it can save lives.
About Dr Kathryn Harkup
Kathryn Harkup is a former chemist turned writer and science communicator. Her interests are in anything gothic, gory and geeky, and preferably all three. She gives regular public talks on the disgusting and dangerous side of science.
Scent-sational Chemistry: Unmasking the Secrets of Smells Stephen Belding, Chemistry Teacher and A-level Examiner
Unlock the mysteries behind the scents that surround us as we dive into the chemistry of smell. Discover how tiny differences in molecular structure—such as isomers—create vastly different aromas, and learn about our incredible ability to detect scents as dilute as 0.1 ppt, equivalent to a single drop in 200 Olympic swimming pools! Join us for an aromatic adventure that connects these fascinating phenomena to your A-level Chemistry studies.
About Dr Stephen Belding
Stephen is Director of Academic Programmes for Rugby School Global Partnerships, a School Governor, A-level Examiner, and Science Council member for ISEB. He believes that curiosity in the classroom is not a moment but a movement—one that ignites ambition, transforms learning, and endures as a lifelong passion for science.
Healing Elements: The Role of Metals in Modern Medicine Rianne Lord, University of Warwick
Why haven’t diseases been cured? What makes a good drug? Join Rianne in a discussion on how metals like platinum, iron, and ruthenium play powerful roles in modern medicine. This talk will explore the chemistry behind metal-based drugs, their biological effects, and how the periodic table contributes to diagnosing, treating, and curing disease.
About Dr Rianne Lord
Rianne is an Associate Professor at the University of Warwick, where she teaches inorganic chemistry and leads a research group on the design of new metal-based drugs for the treatment of cancer.
From Mine to Metal: Sustainable Chemistry to the Rescue! Gawen Jenkin, Geochemistry Researcher, University of Leicester
Metals are vital for renewable energy and reaching net zero — but they don’t grow on trees. So how do we get the metals we need without trashing the planet? Join Gawen to dive into the challenges and the chemistry of extracting metals from rocks — and discover how green chemistry can help deliver the resources for a truly sustainable future.
About Professor Gawen Jenkin
Gawen is a geochemist focused on securing the critical metals that power modern life. Working alongside chemists and metallurgists, he develops cleaner, more environmentally friendly technologies for extracting and recovering metals.