The world needs more chemical scientists, and chemistry skills can lead our young people into a vast range of fulfilling careers. We help people see the part they can play in the future of the chemical sciences, and we improve chemistry education. 

We believe that everyone should have access to a high quality chemistry education which is engaging, inspiring and relevant. We are committed to promoting excellent science education across the world and are the largest non-government supporter of chemistry education in the UK.

Supporting the chemical sciences in schools

We support a broad range of activities to inspire and enthuse the next generation with chemistry. Our programmes offer school students the opportunity to engage with practising chemists and learn about the application of the chemical sciences in the real world.

We organise a number of competitions to inspire, enthuse and engage the next generation with the chemical sciences. Our competitions offer challenges for students of all ages and levels.

Our network of Education Coordinators use their local knowledge and contacts to stimulate outreach activities across the UK and Ireland. They have powerful relationships with those working across the science education sector, and so they can help your school make the most of what's on offer where you are.

Our schools’ programmes range from entire days of hands-on events showcasing chemistry within the local industry to shorter hour-long workshops delivered by Royal Society of Chemistry STEM Ambassadors.

Spectroscopy in a Suitcase

Spectroscopy in a Suitcase gives school students the chance to learn about spectroscopy through hands-on experience. As well as covering the principles of spectroscopic techniques, the activities use real-life contexts to demonstrate the applications of the techniques.

Read more about Spectroscopy in a Suitcase

University students and staff deliver the workshops which have a strong emphasis on encouraging school pupils to consider studying chemistry and also highlight the career opportunities available with chemistry qualifications. The workshops are most suitable for ages 16-18 but some universities may run workshops for younger students.

Currently 36 universities across the UK and Ireland host sets of equipment, some of which may also be available on a short-term loan basis.

To accompany the workshops, we provide teaching resources on Learn Chemistry.

To request a visit please complete the Spectroscopy in a Suitcase enquiry form.

SpectraSchool

As part of the Spectroscopy in a Suitcase programme, we have created the SpectraSchool website to provide an online database of fully interactive IR, NMR and mass spectra for a range of organic compounds.

Go to SpectraSchool

Chemistry at Work

Chemistry at Work events aim to inspire students from primary school age, through to post-16 students about future careers in chemistry and STEM subjects

Find out about Chemistry at Work

Education Coordinators

Our Education Coordinators organise and run events for students to promote chemistry education and careers. They also give talks about the support we offer, organise local teacher network meetings and work with Royal Society of Chemistry local sections.

Contact your local Education Coordinator to discover what's happening in your region.

We organise a number of competitions to inspire, enthuse and engage the next generation with the chemical sciences.  

Our competitions offer challenges for students of all ages and levels.

Chemistry Olympiad

This UK competition is an opportunity to stretch and challenge post-16 Chemistry students by testing their chemical knowledge.

Find out more about Olympiad

Top of the bench

This national competition is for 14 –16 year old students studying chemistry. Royal Society of Chemistry Local Sections run heats during the autumn term to select a team to represent the section in the UK final the following year.

Heats take a variety of formats appropriate to the region. Local Sections are encouraged to allow as many schools as possible the opportunity to take part. Teams must consist of:

  • two students from year 9 (in Scotland one from S2)
  • one from Year 10 (in Scotland two from S3)
  • one from Year 11 (in Scotland one from S4)

We organise the final to take part in the following spring. It includes:

  • a short test of factual chemical knowledge
  • a practical chemical problem solving team exercise

First prize is awarded to the best overall school performance, with five teams receiving runners up prizes. The Jacqui Clee Award is given to the student who has demonstrated an outstanding individual contribution to the day.

To find out more and apply to take part please contact your nearest Local Section Secretary.

AD Schools' Analyst Competition

This national competition is for students studying AS level Chemistry or equivalent (ie Year 12). Teams comprise three students (with an accompanying teacher).

Regional heats are administered by the Analytical Division of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and take place in early spring each year. A National Final consisting of 18–20 teams takes place in June each year.

First, Second and Third placed teams in the National Final receive prizes of £1000, £600 and £300 plus individual prizes for students taking part.

Find out more and apply at Analytical division schools' competition.

Campaigning & outreach

175 minutes for chemistry

These activities count towards your 175 minutes. Find out how we're celebrating our 175th anniversary, and tell us your story here.

Schools and Colleges Outreach

Tel:
+44 (0)1223 432221
Email:
Send us an email

Spectroscopy in a Suitcase UK and Ireland Coordinator

For enquiries related to Spectroscopy in a Suitcase
Tel:
+44 (0) 20 75945172
Email:
Send us an email

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