For everyone

We organise and support a broad range of activities which show why chemistry matters, and the part that you can play in the future of the chemical sciences.

Our programmes engage people from all sections of the community, from those taking their first steps in the subject, to those who are highly qualified.

Our programmes include work with science festivals and science centres, events at our venue in central London, activities for schools, and the national Chemical Landmarks scheme. We also enable our partners to engage through our Outreach Fund.

On this page
Chemistry Week
Chemical Landmarks
Public lectures

Chemistry Week

20 - 26 November 2017

Chemistry Week is an annual celebration of the chemical sciences, and is centred around our members sharing their passion with public audiences. It is an opportunity to organise events and activities that connect our members with local people and communities to:

• promote a positive image of chemistry and sciences
• demonstrate to people within the local community how chemistry is relevant and present in everyday life.

In 2017, we are inviting members to design and deliver events centred on the theme of 'Global Science'. The theme has the flexibility to support the development of creative and innovative engagement opportunities to raise the awareness and importance of international scientific collaboration to advance knowledge, foster growth and tackle global challenges.

If you are looking for ideas, our Local Sections are a great place to start. Dedicated members of Local Section committees organise and run a vast programme of activities throughout the year. In addition, in 2016, over 20 of our groups participated in Chemistry Week to organise events ranging from a chemistry comedy night to activities in schopping centres and local museums.

If you’re interested in participating why not get in touch with your Local Section to find out if there is anything going on in your area or apply for a Chemistry Week grant to organise an event yourself. Grants up to £750 are available to support members to organise activities taking place during Chemistry Week and celebrate the theme 'Global Science'.

To find out more and apply for a grant please submit an application through our online application system.

Chemical Landmarks

The Chemical Landmark Scheme is a Royal Society of Chemistry initiative recognising sites where the chemical sciences have made a significant contribution to health, wealth, or quality of life.

Our distinctive blue plaques are publicly visible, giving everyone an insight into chemistry's relevance to everyday lives.

Chemical Landmarks are awarded to recognise sites of chemical discovery or development.

Nominated sites should meet both the following criteria.

• Historical significance: The site has seen a development in the chemical sciences that has made a significant contribution to the health, wealth or quality of life of the nation.
• Public visibility: The Chemical Landmark plaque should be mounted in as publicly visible a space as possible, giving those without a background in the chemical sciences an insight into its significance in their everyday lives.

Up to £2,000 is available from the Royal Society of Chemistry to celebrate a successful award. This grant is intended to be spent on event management (venue, set-up, reception, etc) and publicity.

A maximum of four Chemical Landmark plaques are awarded each year. To date, over 50 plaques have been awarded, including four international landmarks. 

You can nominate a Chemical Landmark by completing the application form. Applications can be made at any time, and will be considered twice annually, at the end of April and October.

Public lectures

Our regular lecture series takes place on the first Thursday of every month in our venue, Burlington House on Piccadilly in central London. These free lectures are open to everyone, and highlight how chemistry and science relate to our everyday lives.

Booking is required as they prove very popular. If you are unable to attend in person, many of these lectures are webcast live and later are available to watch on demand.

For more information and to find out about future events visit our public events page.