Upholding scientific values

Picture: © Andy Rudge

Dr Andy Rudge, Chief Chemist at EDF Energy, has recently taken over as Chair of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Professional Standards Board (PSB). He speaks to us about what professional standards means to him, and the role played by the Royal Society of Chemistry in maintaining those standards across the chemical sciences community.

As part of my role at EDF Energy I oversee the development of chemistry staff towards professional qualifications such as chartership. I have also been involved with various RSC committees for a number of years, and my passion for supporting professional development and setting and maintaining standards has led me to join the PSB. I am now looking forward to supporting the RSC develop this area of work even further, in my new role as Chair.

Professional standards refers to qualifications such as chartership, as well as codes of conduct for members of professional bodies. But really it’s about how we conduct ourselves in the workplace when 'no-one’s watching'.

I want to go home, look in the mirror and see someone who has been true to my standards and to my profession. As a scientist you’re trained to have certain values, such as impartiality, integrity, and an eye for health and safety, and professional standards help to hold you to those values.