The 2023-2024 cohort will open for applications in 2023. To register your interest and be notified with more information including when applications open, please complete and submit this form.
Great science thrives as part of an inclusive and diverse professional community.
We know that chemists from minoritised racial and ethnic backgrounds still face systemic barriers, with many leaving the profession following undergraduate studies.
Broadening Horizons in the Chemical Sciences is a three-year pilot to support chemistry students and graduates from minoritised racial and ethnic backgrounds to pursue careers in chemistry. The 2022-2023 cohort has been a huge success, and we are delighted to announce our second cohort is now open for 2023-2024.
We have teamed up with leading companies to offer access to mentoring, networking and opportunities to gain industry experience.
We are able to offer this programme thanks to the generous support of the Broadening Horizons partners. Our partners are committed to building a truly inclusive and diverse chemical sciences workforce across the UK.
Who our partners are
With the help of leading companies and partners aiming to pioneer change, the Broadening Horizons in the Chemical Sciences programme helps facilitate access to career routes into industry, innovation and entrepreneurship for chemists from minoritised racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Our partners are committed to building a truly inclusive and diverse chemical sciences workforce.
We're delighted to be a founding partner of the Broadening Horizons programme. It's so important we support Black and minority ethnic students to further their studies in chemical sciences. Diversity makes us stronger and this is absolutely in line with GSK's commitment to develop diverse talent and build an inclusive culture that reflects the communities we serve.
What does the programme entail?
Our opening Taster Event will set the scene for the whole programme, and we require all participants to attend as it will give you the strong foundation you'll need to make the most out of the opportunities provided. At this event we'll explore the range of careers available in the chemical sciences and introduce the participating partner companies.
I loved getting to meet all the companies, and participants of the programme (networking). The networking felt very natural and not forced. Everyone was very friendly and easygoing. There was a good atmosphere which made networking very easy and enjoyable. All the different workshops were very informative and enjoyable.
Following the Taster Event, participants get the chance to further explore prospects, experiencing industrial research and work environments first hand by visiting the partner company sites.
Participants will receive extensive careers advice and support throughout the programme. This includes:
- a tailored mentoring programme
- careers toolkit and online resources
- workshops, webinars and careers talks to build skills and explore career routes available
- ongoing networking opportunities with fellow participants and industry representatives
- regular drop-in sessions and contact with programme staff
- professional membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry
Participants will have opportunities to apply for a limited number of paid industry placements, and gain awareness of the breadth of existing employment opportunities available to them. The RSC itself cannot provide or support any UK visa sponsorship. It is up to each successful applicant and the respective employer to ensure that the Right to Work eligibility is met to participate.
The programme is free of charge to all participants, and the expenses related to participation in the programme will be covered including travel.
The next cohort will run from June 2023 until summer 2024. To benefit fully, participants are asked to commit to the entire programme.
What can I gain by taking part?
Participants will benefit from:
- The chance to explore a wide range of careers in industry
- Opportunities to gain paid industry experience
- A tailored mentoring programme
- Careers toolkit and online resources
- Workshops, webinars and careers talks to build skills
- Professional membership of the RSC
- Payment of all expenses related to the programme, including travel to attend events
- Networking opportunities
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the programme you must:
- Be over 18 years old
- Be one of the following at the time of application:
- an undergraduate student in the chemical sciences*; OR
- a postgraduate student in the chemical sciences*; OR
- a recent graduate (within 3 years of graduation) from a chemical sciences* programme, including postdoctoral researchers
- Reside in the UK or Republic of Ireland (this includes international students studying in the UK or Republic of Ireland)
- Identify as being from a Black or minority ethnic background
- Be interested in exploring career options in industry, innovation and entrepreneurship in the chemical sciences
* eligibility includes courses/degrees in the chemical sciences, or at the interface of the discipline
How to apply
Applications are now closed.
Please check back later for information in the future.
Candidates will be informed whether they have been shortlisted by mid-April 2023. All shortlisted candidates will then be required to attend a preliminary information session in April.
We require all successful applicants to attend the Taster Event in Manchester on 14-16 June 2023.
If you have any questions about the programme or the application process, please contact us:
Contact us
- Email:
- Inclusion and Diversity team
The 2023-2024 cohort will open for applications in 2023. To register your interest and be notified with more information including when applications open, please complete and submit this form.