About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level chemistry students
Join us at the Royal Northern College of Music for 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 (Chemistry Researcher) Exam Session: Stephen Belding (A-Level Examiner)
“A great day to get students thinking beyond the classroom and linking their studies to real life.”
— Didsbury High School, Autumn 2024 —
Programme & speakers
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.
Amazing Atoms: Can Nuclear Science Change the World? Tim Gregory, Nuclear Scientist and Author
Nuclear science is at the heart of tackling some of today’s most pressing global challenges, yet it is often met with fear and scepticism. In this inspiring talk, Tim reveals the true potential of nuclear science. From helping us achieve net zero, to curing cancer in new ways, and even exploring outer space — these atoms may be tiny, but they have the power to change the world.
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?
When the Drugs Stop Working: The Uncensored Chemistry of Antibiotics Alex Baker, University of Warwick
We stand on the brink of the post-antibiotic age. Antimicrobial resistance presents a threat to humanity on the scale of global warming. But how did we get here? Join Alex as he cuts through the myths of the first antibiotics (spoiler it’s not penicillin). Together we will interrogate our antibiotic arsenal, the methods used by nature to fight back and what the future holds in our ongoing microbial war.
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.
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.