Building links with local industry
On Wednesday 25 January, local industry and our Thames Valley Local Section organised an evening of networking and talks at AWE in Aldermaston, bringing together more than 70 of our members who live and work in the area.
A series of talks from AWE, BP, Johnson Matthey and RSSL showcased the diversity of chemistry happening in the Thames Valley. Themed around product development, Duncan Broughton, head of profession chemistry & materials at AWE and one of our Industry Representatives, said, “The event was a great opportunity for Royal Society of Chemistry members to hear about some of the work taking place at four of the section’s largest chemical scientist employers.”
Speakers shared insights into product development within the defence, lubricant, speciality chemical, and food industries, highlighting some of the challenges they face in developing new products.
Ella Collins, development technologist at BP, said, “The event broadened my understanding of how formulation science and product development principles are applied in different industries.” Sharing her experience of product development of lubricants for the automotive industry enabled Ella to meet scientists from across the Thames Valley. “The event was a fantastic opportunity for me to share my passion for the products I develop.”
The UK chemical industry directly employs 150,000 people across the country, and it is through our Industry Representatives like Duncan at AWE that we are able to support so many of our members working in industry. “This is the third evening event jointly organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry and AWE,” says Duncan, “It continues to strengthen the links throughout the Thames Valley Local Section area.”
In addition to facilitating industry and local section links, our Industry Representatives engage chemical scientists working in over 100 large companies in the UK, helping them to access the support we provide through training and professional development, and enabling us to continue being a voice for the chemical science community.
If you are interested in finding out more about being an Industry Representative, get in touch with industry@rsc.org.
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