Chemistry Department | Update
SCIENCE SUMMER FESTIVAL 2025
Some thirty Chemistry and Biology students spent a day at the renowned Carlton House, home to both the Royal Society, and Royal Academy of Engineering, where they were able to converse with world leading Research Scientists from universities and science institutions across the UK showing casing the power of science to improve the quality of diagnostic medicine, the way plastics can be sustainably disposed of, and how nanotechnology could be used to significantly reduce risks associated with more complex procedures. These were just a few to mention.
Whilst many of the scientific research being showcased might be some years away from being applied usefully, students learnt that some, such as fully decomposable plastics made from the waste of crabs and other shellfish could be just months from commercial success. Indeed, some of our students were informed by a nanotechnology scientist that one of London’s skyscrapers has been constructed with windows incorporated with nanoparticles that sustainably cleans windows without water, hence eliminating the need for humans arduously clean the windows of tall buildings. Students also attended a talk where they learnt about how combining a range of scientific phenomena can offer new, non-invasive treatment options for patients with complex neurological disorders.
CAMBRIDGE CHEMISTRY CHALLENGE 2025
In June, 46 students sat the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, a national competition designed to stretch and challenge, as well as further enhancing the problem-solving abilities of first chemistry students.
Leading up to the exam, many students spent several of their lunch breaks preparing for the rigorous exam. Well done to all the students who participated in lunch time practice sessions. All students prepared very hard for the exam. This year, 7 students were awarded Gold, 18 were awarded Silver, and 17 were awarded Copper.
CHEMISTRY TRIP TO LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY 2025
In June, the Chemistry Department at Loughborough University hosted more than 25 chemistry students who spent the day in their award-winning, state-of-the-art laboratories making luminous compounds using high-tech apparatus not usually found in schools or colleges. They had the fantastic opportunity to experience university life at one of the UK’s leading Chemistry Departments.
