On Tuesday 7th November, our Lower Sixth A Level and IB students were lucky enough to attend the Chemistry in Action conference at the University of Warwick for a day filled with fascinating talks.

Olivia Davies (Lower Sixth) reflected about the day: “For 21 of us in the Lower Sixth, this Tuesday began with an early start and bus ride to the University of Warwick; the first opportunity for both the recent IB and A Level chemists to integrate academically. The day entailed a series of chemistry lectures, allowing us along with another 500 students from across the country, to gain a feel for what it may be like to study chemistry in higher education and beyond.

“The first talk was delivered by our very own alumna; Anna Ploszajski (DAHS 2009), who enlightened us to the threat of waste crime, the current topic for her latest novel in production, as well as how, using chemical forensics, it can be overcome. My favourite lecture was from the nuclear scientist Tim Gregory, who along with his brilliant presentation graphics and contagious enthusiasm throughout, had completely sold me on the field of nuclear science after just 50 minutes. I found his simply broken down, yet technically detailed explanations of a deeply complex profession, as well as lack of aversion to discussing the controversies and misconceptions surrounding the field, to provide for a good internalised debate throughout.

“Having felt it may be difficult to pave a way into nuclear science at the beginning, it felt good to be informed that interest from our generation is actually in dire need within the industry, and even better, our options are broad. Biological applications such as the development of medical receptors for increasing the focalisation of cancer treatments or more physical aspects such as the nuclear reprocessing of surplus stores of plutonium in order to power space batteries, which will contribute to the capability of the human race to colonise Mars. The talk, for me, uncovered surprising aspects of nuclear science that now make me want to continue finding out more about it.

“As well as getting us out of the classroom for the day, it was a way to bring together the young-minds of chemistry in one room. A possible gathering of future associates in science, brought to us by the current ones; a great Inter-generational gathering of like-minded people.”