Graeme Holdsworth, Perkin Elmer Services Ltd, is the Chemistry Week Coordinator for the Teesside Local Section.
Chemistry Week 2007 is running from 3-11 November.

Q How is your section getting involved in Chemistry Week?
A We are organising an event on Thursday 8 November at Locomotion, the National Railway Museum at Shildon, County Durham. 
We'll be looking at fuel and transport in the 21st Century and how the chemical sciences will be playing a major part in new technologies. Local industries and universities have got involved and will be running lots of exciting demonstrations.

Q Why did you decide to get involved as a coordinator?
A There are two reasons why I am organising the event. Firstly, it gives me the chance to give something back to the RSC and the chemistry community.
Secondly, the Fuelling the Future theme really interests me from my work point of view. Analytical instruments are important in the quality control of the emerging biodiesels and this provides an opportunity to educate people on these issues.

Q What are you particularly looking forward to?
A I'm looking forward to the energy and enthusiasm of the school students who will be attending. 
I hope they have a great time and plenty of fun, but that they also come away with more of an understanding of the important energy issues facing us.

Q Has the Fuelling the Future theme made you think about your own travel options?
A This is something I think about all the time, I am a keen cyclist and even cycle to Tesco. (As you can see by my photograph!)

Q Should the RSC be running more events like this?
A The RSC does a lot of important work but I think it is important to make an impact rather than overload on things. There are lots of RSC events generating media interest and going on all year round raising the profile of chemistry.

Q What theme would you pick for the next Chemistry Week?
A I would choose recycling for the next Chemistry Week. I was inspired by a recent issue of New Scientist, where the front page showed a mechanical digger eating away at the earth. 
We are using the Earth's resources for lots of different things. It is important that we are not wasteful with the end products. 
There's a lot of chemistry involved with the processes of recycling, which is an important message to relate to people.