Post-16 students studying chemistry in the UK can now join the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) ChemNet initiative. Launched in September, the aims of ChemNet are to enthuse young people about studying chemistry at university and then to encourage them to pursue a career based upon studies in the chemical sciences.  

As ChemNet members students will receive the ChemNet monthly newsletter with all the latest happenings across the network and advance news of events scheduled for the coming months and how to take advantage of them. Members also will receive Chemistry World  and InfoChem  to satisfy their interest in chemistry and keep them up to date with the latest developments in the chemical sciences. In addition, students will be sent free RSC materials and careers advice as well as have access to a closed discussion board on the RSC website where they can ask questions about their studies or chemistry and make contact with other ChemNet members. 

Teachers in schools and colleges can't join ChemNet. However, if any of your students join, you will be kept fully informed of any activities in your area, which you will be welcome to attend. Teachers will also receive copies of the ChemNet monthly newsletter and a copy of InfoChem. 

ChemNet is building links with local RSC sections, university chemical societies and the chemical industry to offer activities and events such as visits to local chemical companies, tours of the local university chemistry department etc. 'We would like chemistry teachers to help support the ChemNet members at their school or college', Dr Robert Bowles, ChemNet executive, told Education in Chemistry. 'They can do this by encouraging and enabling students to get to and take part in ChemNet activities, many of which could support teaching'. 

To join ChemNet costs £10 until July 2007 or £15 until July 2008. For further information visit the RSC website  or contact Dr Robert Bowles, ChemNet executive, the Royal Society of Chemistry.