About this day
About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level chemistry students
Join us for an amazing day of exhilarating chemistry which will take students from key concepts learnt in the classroom to the latest advancements in chemical research! Through five engaging sessions students will meet experienced scientists from academia and industry and be inspired to become the scientists of the future.
Each day also includes a special session on examination success that will ensure students are equipped with the tools they need to excel and plenty of interactivity, with polls, quizzes and (of course) your chance to question the scientists – join us at Chemistry in Action this autumn!
Host: Alex Baker (Organic Chemist, University of Warwick)
“The excellent scientists and communicators were an eye opener to the immense applications and possibilities in science.”
— Northwood College for Girls, Spring 2024 —
Programme & speakers
Strange Ice Andrea Sella, Chemist and broadcaster, University College London
From the freezer to a refreshing drink, ice is everywhere. But how well do you really know it? Andrea Sella will demonstrate how ice is a material so strange that it breaks almost every rule in our textbooks. Discover its unusual properties, compare it with other ices, and uncover what ice may be telling us about the certainty of our futures…
About Professor Andrea Sella
Andrea is a synthetic chemist and broadcaster who is interested in the structure and bonding in the rare earths. He has been involved in numerous radio and television projects.
The Dust You Can Trust: How the smallest of particles can solve crimes! Claire Gwinnett, Professor in Forensic and Environmental Science, Director for the Centre for Crime, Justice and Security
Prof. Claire Gwinnett’s career centres on how something as innocuous as hair and fibres can be used to identify suspects, reconstruct crimes and lead to prosecutions. Her career has seen her use this form of evidence in wildlife crime cases, invent a new method for the recovery of this evidence from crime scenes and investigate its presence as a pollutant in our environment.
About Professor Claire Gwinnett
A forensic scientist, National Geographic Explorer and environmentalist who is one of the world’s leading forensic fiber researchers. With 20 years in the field, she was the first forensic scientist to apply forensic science approaches to microplastic research. Claire focuses on the analysis and interpretation of trace particulates both for the purposes of investigating crime and understanding environmental crimes and pollutants.
When Medicines become Drugs – How Small Chemical Changes Change the World Alex Baker, University of Warwick
Why is morphine used in the NHS but heroin isn’t? Why is an isomer of methamphetamine sold over the counter in the USA? It’s simple Chemistry. In this talk, Alex will consider the small chemical changes that separate molecules that heal, from molecules that harm and explore the impacts these chemical changes have on the world. Along the way we will think about isomerism, solubility and how medicines work.
About Dr Alex Baker
Alex is an organic chemist with a particular interest in carbohydrates, polymers and nanoparticles. His work is used to design medical diagnostics with a particular focus on the developing world and fighting health inequalities.
Nanoinvasion Jamie Gallagher, Science Presenter
All around us as hidden world is taking over, it is a strange alien world where nothing is as it seems – the world of nanotechnology. Join materials scientist Dr Jamie Gallagher as we shrink down and get up close with the tiny tech that is changing our phones, food, sport and health. Delve into a world where pencils are stronger than steel, metal becomes transparent and robots become doctors.
About Dr Jamie Gallagher
An award-winning scientist and science communicator, Jamie spends his days sharing his love of science. His work has taken him to stages around the world as well as TV and radio. Jamie has a PhD in materials science.
Exploring Environmental Chemistry Jessica Gomez-Banderas, Lead Environmental Consultant
Where can studying Chemistry get you? What is it like to complete a PhD in Chemistry? Jessica is going to answer these questions by walking through her career journey: from becoming a Research Scientist in Environmental Chemistry to her current role as a Lead Environmental Consultant in the Energy industry.
About Dr Jessica Gomez-Banderas
Jessica is a Lead Environmental Consultant in the Energy industry and advises companies on the environmental impacts of carrying out oil and gas, offshore wind and decommissioning activities. She also shares her love of chemistry through vlog-style videos online.