Queen’s University’s Chemistry at Work event draws over 1,100 school children

Over 1,100 pupils from across Northern Ireland had the chance to see how the chemistry they learn in school is used in real world applications by some of Northern Ireland’s most exciting companies at an event hosted by the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast.

Held over two days, Chemistry at Work gave pupils aged between 14 and 16 years old the chance to get up close and personal with leading chemistry graduate employers such as Norbrook Laboratories, Almac, Randox, Bombardier and BOC Gas.

The companies exhibited interactive demonstrations which gave the students the chance to participate in chemistry experiments under the watchful eye of their industry experts.

The annual event, which has been running for over two decades with continued support from the Royal Society of Chemistry, was held in the Whitla Hall on Queen’s University’s campus. 

Dr. Paul Kavanagh, lecturer at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said:  

“This opportunity is invaluable for the pupils and companies who join us. The pupils get the chance to see how chemistry impacts every aspect of our daily lives, from the organic chemistry, which produces life-saving medicines, to the analytical chemistry that makes sure the water we consume is safe to drink.  

“This provides an essential link between the sciences that they’re studying in their textbooks and the practical applications in the real-world. Meanwhile it gives industry a chance to show the pupils the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await future chemistry graduates.”

“Hopefully we can spark an interest in chemistry in these pupils and show them that there are really fascinating STEM careers out there. These students are the next generation of scientists, engineers and inventors and at Queen’s we recognise the importance of igniting that fascination and enthusiasm for science early on.”

Chemistry at Work took place on 20 and 21 November 2018.