Real-life stories from real-life chemical scientists. Find out what jobs in chemistry can involve and the qualifications that will get you there
Beth monitors the water quality at the construction site of a new nuclear power plant to make sure it will generate cleaner energy for longer when it opens
Sophie is stopping microplastics going into the environment when you wash your clothes
Sharlotte makes environmentally friendly beauty products
Beth monitors the water quality at the construction site of a new nuclear power plant to make sure it will generate cleaner energy for longer when it opens
Sophie is stopping microplastics going into the environment when you wash your clothes
Sharlotte makes environmentally friendly beauty products
Gary helps scientists make breakthroughs by ensuring the data they use is accurate and reliable.
Taryn uses scientific instruments to test our food and medicines and make sure they are safe
Saba’s air quality assessments help clients worldwide to minimise their air pollution
Richard uses digital technologies to design and select compounds for new medicines
Misbah uses computers to predict which catalysts will be best at removing harmful pollutants from road-using vehicles
Aruna develops the search capability of a crystal structure database used by scientists to make new discoveries
Paul’s circular approach to manufacturing sugar means there is virtually zero waste and other useful products like bioethanol
Ian’s research mitigates climate change and has led to the production of energy-generating coatings for buildings
Daniel is helping the world to reach net-zero carbon emissions by creating a way to turn manufacturers’ waste carbon dioxide into chemicals that can be used in everyday products
Maria develops new and innovative coatings for wind turbines so that they can generate more renewable energy for longer
Vikki helps develop sustainable packaging with less carbon dioxide impact and the ability to reduce food waste
Raquel develops a sustainable fabric called Piñatex that comes from pineapple leaves that would otherwise be burnt
Zubera is discovering ways to recycle precious materials from electric car batteries
Ben’s research focuses on how the biology and chemistry of our oceans are responding to climate change in order to learn how we can protect our marine environments and ecosystems
Giorgia leads a team at a small company that is helping to fight food waste by developing smart labels technology
Celine modifies the molecular structure of plastics so they can biodegrade in the natural environment
Layla builds cutting-edge AI algorithms that improve the drug discovery process by exposing unsafe medicines early on
Sam provides advice on batteries and energy storage devices to customers across the world
Océane researches ways to make packaging biodegradable
Mike ensures that chemistry practicals run smoothly for everyone using the lab. He’s also involved in Manchester University’s apprenticeship scheme and attracting future technicians
Tyler carries out experiments linked to covid-19 reseach and lung diseases
Ryley develops cutting-edge solar cell technology to make solar power cheaper and more efficient so that this renewable source of energy can become more mainstream
Lizzie investigates new battery materials for lithium-ion batteries which power devices such as smart phones, laptops and electric vehicles
Florence is developing a way to produce raw materials that are renewable, reusable, recyclable and toxic free
Professor Sixta converts cellulose, a renewable resource found in wood or plants, into products like yarn for making clothes
Patricia uses chemistry to develop new ways of detecting, monitoring and analysing quantities of environmental pollutants
Margot is at the cutting-edge of science developing ways to make plastic biodegrade quickly and explaining this to others
Boris’ technology delivers a larger crop of fruits and vegetables while cutting carbon emissions
Kasia makes lubricants to improve the performance of metal-cutting tools while also studying towards a degree in chemical science
Emma collects and processes precious metals that are extracted from electronic waste products
Ian ensures radioactive waste is handled safely and also applies waste management techniques to technology that reduces risks of climate change
Claire’s work involves stress testing new medicines in various stages of drug development to ensure they are robust and reliable before being released onto the consumer market
Tilly does research on human breath samples to potentially diagnose conditions like asthma and infectious diseases including cancer
Holly develops new medicines at a global pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca alongside completing her degree apprenticeship
Mariam shares how she makes custom inks for their customers so they can safely print on food (like eggs) and food packaging providing vital information to the public
Lewis contributes to cutting-edge scientific research using specialist equipment to potentially diagnose diseases like cancer sooner
Charley explains how he makes an impact by helping inventors get legal protection for their new inventions and medicines
James helps protect the environment by assessing the risks to life from certain chemicals in soil, water and air
Mike discusses his vital role in advising businesses and chemists about how to be more green and sustainable
Lewis is researching cutting edge ways to improve the treatment of diseases of the colon
Erin helps turn new medicines into finished products so that they can be mass-produced for patients.
Katie uses her chemistry background and works with scientists around the world to advance the chemical sciences by publishing the latest leading research in scientific journals
Katty monitors the levels of organic materials in drinking and wastewater to ensure it is safe to drink
Sandrine works with teachers to design and safely prepare exciting classroom chemistry experiments
Calum helps ensure public safety through the toxicological testing of everyday items like food, cosmetics, electronics, medicines and textiles to ensure they are safe to use and consume
Robert builds computer models to predict how different food chemicals will enhance the taste and texture of chocolate, biscuits and other snacks
Joseph helps ensure there is clean, safe, water for 15 million people in the UK whilst studying towards his chemistry degree
Tom works for the UK government and briefs ministers and politicians about the latest scientific research to inform their policies
Claire creates new flavour combinations to improve the taste of everyday food products
Zoë’s role involves finding ways to minimise the impact of humans on the natural world
Kay teaches and oversees the work that goes on in a secondary school chemistry department
Andrew develops emergency exit marking for aircraft, helping to keep passengers safe
Geertje teaches university students and leads the development of materials made from bacteria
Tom identifies and unravels the mystery behind the rocks and minerals of Wales
Stephen supports several businesses to become sustainable including using organic materials for wastewater treatment
Jill ensures that the medicines her client companies provide to the public comply with quality and safety standards and are fit for purpose
Jamie improves steelmaking processes to reduce their impact on the environment
Gemma manages the production of high-quality tin and chromium coated steels for everyday items found in a kitchen and bathroom
Emma protects our health and the environment by monitoring levels of environmental pollutants in the land, air and water. She sets the conditions on industrial processes to minimise their release of pollutants
Emma investigates the link between climate change and increased greenhouse gas emissions from the soil
Hilde investigates consumer complaints for beverage company, Coca-Cola
Harsh and Michael describe their vital work keeping the region’s water and sewage systems safe and operational at all times
Vicki examines how tiny nanomaterials present in everyday products such as medicine, electronics and clothing interact with our bodies to ensure they are safe to use or consume
Tim works in this rapidly expanding area of toxicology using computer modeling to more efficiently assess the risk of chemicals to people to keep the public safe
Stephanie leads the Microplastics Team at Imperial College London, where they investigate the potential toxicity of plastic fragments smaller than 5mm when they are present in the air, as well as understanding their impact on human health
Olivia uses analytical techniques to ensure that food products meet legislative requirements for consumers
Andy supports chemistry students to make good career decisions
John explains how he’s changing lives by designing and synthesising potential medicine for infectious diseases like malaria
Cristina helps develop technology that could change lives by extracting disease from the body
Fernando uses his scientific knowledge to explain complex science to the public so they can understand and appreciate the value of these discoveries that are important to their everyday lives
Brian talks about his exciting role working with Team GB athletes and his part in the 2012 London Olympics
Benjamin explains how he’s innovating industry by creating robotic chemists who can speed up new discoveries
Alice teaches in a secondary school chemistry department helping her students thrive in the future
Lucia analyses museum objects to help the Victoria and Albert Museum curators understand, date and authenticate them
Nicholas discusses his challenging work bringing together scientific fields to ensure that their company’s chemicals are used safely and comply with strict rules and regulations
Rebekka tests and finds ways to improve solar panels whilst balancing her studies towards her Foundation Degree apprenticeship
Christopher uses NMR to identify the structure of new and unknown chemical compounds to support the development of new medicines
Xameerah talks about her important role in providing specialist advice on science and science policy to inform the work and policies of the UK government
Lynne shares how her PhD led to a university research career working with large pieces of equipment and computer programs to understand how chemical structures work
Phillip leads a small team of researchers who improve the performance of household products such as toothpaste and shampoo
Robert develops materials to improve the properties of consumer products from cosmetics to chewing gum
Stephen oversees the ways in which chemistry can be used to improve a power station’s performance
Marcia updates shareholders, managers, staff and external market analysts with Unilever’s financial performance and strategy
Christopher describes how his love of science and understanding how things work led him to his role as a systems technician
Emma communicates science to the public by sourcing or commissioning engaging and accurate scientific photographs, illustrations and videos for publications
Harriet works at the world’s largest independent funder of cancer research where she helps researchers get support from the UK government and other research bodies
Anna explains how she carries out her own cutting-edge scientific research at the UK’s national synchrotron science facility
Stuart brings good ideas to business faster by finding better tools and methods for researchers.
Trevor discusses his unique role of promoting the uses of gold to companies across different industries
Sallie develops creative ideas to get good media coverage for science organisations and events
Sophie helps improve and perfect fragrances created by perfumers. She also gets to travel regularly to Paris, Cologne and Grasse
Joni investigates biological samples for the presence of drugs and alcohol and also examines evidence seized by the police
Lorna’s role in finance gives her an overview of the household, healthcare and personal care products developed at her company
Jamie describes what it’s like to work alongside scientists to deliver a service that supports the criminal justice system
John investigates the chemistry and physics of the regions of space between the stars
Discover how you can change people’s lives as a chemist supervising the making of active ingredients in medicines
Nicola describes how chemistry enabled her to play a vital part as an assistant analyst in the anti-doping laboratory for the Olympic Games
Fiona leads research and development efforts to explore and validate non-animal testing approaches and advocates for the adoption of these alternatives while ensuring safety evaluations are accurate and reliable
Hazem examines how toxic substances can harm the skin and potentially enter the body. He evaluates the effects of chemicals and other agents on the skin and their capacity to cause harm
George uses computer modelling to make sure products such as food and drink, medicines, pesticides, cosmetics and household products don’t cause harm and haven’t been contaminated by toxic materials
Georgina discusses why she enjoys working in tax and legislation to ensures companies stay compliant and on the right side of the law
Hazel discusses her vital part in funding groundbreaking scientific research through the medical research council by assessing and discussing funding proposals with the council
Find out what’s involved in leading a team of 30 scientists who are researching new medicines
Jason talks about his team’s important work on a platform that allows scientists to sequence DNA wherever they are and uncover viral outbreaks, or identify new species.
Professor Vadgama researches biosensors which monitor changes inside the bodies of patients and athletes
Gary helps scientists make breakthroughs by ensuring the data they use is accurate and reliable.
Boris’ technology delivers a larger crop of fruits and vegetables while cutting carbon emissions
Taryn uses scientific instruments to test our food and medicines and make sure they are safe
Stephanie leads the Microplastics Team at Imperial College London, where they investigate the potential toxicity of plastic fragments smaller than 5mm when they are present in the air, as well as understanding their impact on human health
Fiona leads research and development efforts to explore and validate non-animal testing approaches and advocates for the adoption of these alternatives while ensuring safety evaluations are accurate and reliable
Hazem examines how toxic substances can harm the skin and potentially enter the body. He evaluates the effects of chemicals and other agents on the skin and their capacity to cause harm
George uses computer modelling to make sure products such as food and drink, medicines, pesticides, cosmetics and household products don’t cause harm and haven’t been contaminated by toxic materials
Layla builds cutting-edge AI algorithms that improve the drug discovery process by exposing unsafe medicines early on
Saba’s air quality assessments help clients worldwide to minimise their air pollution
Kasia makes lubricants to improve the performance of metal-cutting tools while also studying towards a degree in chemical science
Richard uses digital technologies to design and select compounds for new medicines
Lewis is researching cutting edge ways to improve the treatment of diseases of the colon
Olivia uses analytical techniques to ensure that food products meet legislative requirements for consumers
Misbah uses computers to predict which catalysts will be best at removing harmful pollutants from road-using vehicles
Aruna develops the search capability of a crystal structure database used by scientists to make new discoveries
Paul’s circular approach to manufacturing sugar means there is virtually zero waste and other useful products like bioethanol
Ian’s research mitigates climate change and has led to the production of energy-generating coatings for buildings
Andrew develops emergency exit marking for aircraft, helping to keep passengers safe
Geertje teaches university students and leads the development of materials made from bacteria
Tom identifies and unravels the mystery behind the rocks and minerals of Wales
Stephen supports several businesses to become sustainable including using organic materials for wastewater treatment
Jill ensures that the medicines her client companies provide to the public comply with quality and safety standards and are fit for purpose
Jamie improves steelmaking processes to reduce their impact on the environment
Gemma manages the production of high-quality tin and chromium coated steels for everyday items found in a kitchen and bathroom
Emma protects our health and the environment by monitoring levels of environmental pollutants in the land, air and water. She sets the conditions on industrial processes to minimise their release of pollutants
Emma investigates the link between climate change and increased greenhouse gas emissions from the soil
Andy supports chemistry students to make good career decisions
Hilde investigates consumer complaints for beverage company, Coca-Cola
Sam provides advice on batteries and energy storage devices to customers across the world
Océane researches ways to make packaging biodegradable
Daniel is helping the world to reach net-zero carbon emissions by creating a way to turn manufacturers’ waste carbon dioxide into chemicals that can be used in everyday products
Emma collects and processes precious metals that are extracted from electronic waste products
Mike ensures that chemistry practicals run smoothly for everyone using the lab. He’s also involved in Manchester University’s apprenticeship scheme and attracting future technicians
Tyler carries out experiments linked to covid-19 reseach and lung diseases
Maria develops new and innovative coatings for wind turbines so that they can generate more renewable energy for longer
Vikki helps develop sustainable packaging with less carbon dioxide impact and the ability to reduce food waste
Raquel develops a sustainable fabric called Piñatex that comes from pineapple leaves that would otherwise be burnt
Zubera is discovering ways to recycle precious materials from electric car batteries
Ryley develops cutting-edge solar cell technology to make solar power cheaper and more efficient so that this renewable source of energy can become more mainstream
Lizzie investigates new battery materials for lithium-ion batteries which power devices such as smart phones, laptops and electric vehicles
Florence is developing a way to produce raw materials that are renewable, reusable, recyclable and toxic free
Professor Sixta converts cellulose, a renewable resource found in wood or plants, into products like yarn for making clothes
Patricia uses chemistry to develop new ways of detecting, monitoring and analysing quantities of environmental pollutants
Erin helps turn new medicines into finished products so that they can be mass-produced for patients.
Ian ensures radioactive waste is handled safely and also applies waste management techniques to technology that reduces risks of climate change
Jason talks about his team’s important work on a platform that allows scientists to sequence DNA wherever they are and uncover viral outbreaks, or identify new species.
Ben’s research focuses on how the biology and chemistry of our oceans are responding to climate change in order to learn how we can protect our marine environments and ecosystems
Giorgia leads a team at a small company that is helping to fight food waste by developing smart labels technology
Katie uses her chemistry background and works with scientists around the world to advance the chemical sciences by publishing the latest leading research in scientific journals
Benjamin explains how he’s innovating industry by creating robotic chemists who can speed up new discoveries
Alice teaches in a secondary school chemistry department helping her students thrive in the future
Katty monitors the levels of organic materials in drinking and wastewater to ensure it is safe to drink
John explains how he’s changing lives by designing and synthesising potential medicine for infectious diseases like malaria
Lucia analyses museum objects to help the Victoria and Albert Museum curators understand, date and authenticate them
Sandrine works with teachers to design and safely prepare exciting classroom chemistry experiments
Cristina helps develop technology that could change lives by extracting disease from the body
Harsh and Michael describe their vital work keeping the region’s water and sewage systems safe and operational at all times
Calum helps ensure public safety through the toxicological testing of everyday items like food, cosmetics, electronics, medicines and textiles to ensure they are safe to use and consume
Vicki examines how tiny nanomaterials present in everyday products such as medicine, electronics and clothing interact with our bodies to ensure they are safe to use or consume
Nicholas discusses his challenging work bringing together scientific fields to ensure that their company’s chemicals are used safely and comply with strict rules and regulations
Tim works in this rapidly expanding area of toxicology using computer modeling to more efficiently assess the risk of chemicals to people to keep the public safe
Celine modifies the molecular structure of plastics so they can biodegrade in the natural environment
Claire’s work involves stress testing new medicines in various stages of drug development to ensure they are robust and reliable before being released onto the consumer market
Tilly does research on human breath samples to potentially diagnose conditions like asthma and infectious diseases including cancer
Holly develops new medicines at a global pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca alongside completing her degree apprenticeship
Mariam shares how she makes custom inks for their customers so they can safely print on food (like eggs) and food packaging providing vital information to the public
Lewis contributes to cutting-edge scientific research using specialist equipment to potentially diagnose diseases like cancer sooner
Robert builds computer models to predict how different food chemicals will enhance the taste and texture of chocolate, biscuits and other snacks
Joseph helps ensure there is clean, safe, water for 15 million people in the UK whilst studying towards his chemistry degree
Fernando uses his scientific knowledge to explain complex science to the public so they can understand and appreciate the value of these discoveries that are important to their everyday lives
Margot is at the cutting-edge of science developing ways to make plastic biodegrade quickly and explaining this to others
Charley explains how he makes an impact by helping inventors get legal protection for their new inventions and medicines
Rebekka tests and finds ways to improve solar panels whilst balancing her studies towards her Foundation Degree apprenticeship
Christopher uses NMR to identify the structure of new and unknown chemical compounds to support the development of new medicines
Xameerah talks about her important role in providing specialist advice on science and science policy to inform the work and policies of the UK government
Georgina discusses why she enjoys working in tax and legislation to ensures companies stay compliant and on the right side of the law
Lynne shares how her PhD led to a university research career working with large pieces of equipment and computer programs to understand how chemical structures work
Phillip leads a small team of researchers who improve the performance of household products such as toothpaste and shampoo
Robert develops materials to improve the properties of consumer products from cosmetics to chewing gum
Stephen oversees the ways in which chemistry can be used to improve a power station’s performance
James helps protect the environment by assessing the risks to life from certain chemicals in soil, water and air
Tom works for the UK government and briefs ministers and politicians about the latest scientific research to inform their policies
Claire creates new flavour combinations to improve the taste of everyday food products
Zoë’s role involves finding ways to minimise the impact of humans on the natural world
Kay teaches and oversees the work that goes on in a secondary school chemistry department
Marcia updates shareholders, managers, staff and external market analysts with Unilever’s financial performance and strategy
Christopher describes how his love of science and understanding how things work led him to his role as a systems technician
Emma communicates science to the public by sourcing or commissioning engaging and accurate scientific photographs, illustrations and videos for publications
Harriet works at the world’s largest independent funder of cancer research where she helps researchers get support from the UK government and other research bodies
Anna explains how she carries out her own cutting-edge scientific research at the UK’s national synchrotron science facility
Stuart brings good ideas to business faster by finding better tools and methods for researchers.
Trevor discusses his unique role of promoting the uses of gold to companies across different industries
Sallie develops creative ideas to get good media coverage for science organisations and events
Sophie helps improve and perfect fragrances created by perfumers. She also gets to travel regularly to Paris, Cologne and Grasse
Joni investigates biological samples for the presence of drugs and alcohol and also examines evidence seized by the police
Lorna’s role in finance gives her an overview of the household, healthcare and personal care products developed at her company
Hazel discusses her vital part in funding groundbreaking scientific research through the medical research council by assessing and discussing funding proposals with the council
Find out what’s involved in leading a team of 30 scientists who are researching new medicines
Professor Vadgama researches biosensors which monitor changes inside the bodies of patients and athletes
Mike discusses his vital role in advising businesses and chemists about how to be more green and sustainable
Brian talks about his exciting role working with Team GB athletes and his part in the 2012 London Olympics
Jamie describes what it’s like to work alongside scientists to deliver a service that supports the criminal justice system
John investigates the chemistry and physics of the regions of space between the stars
Discover how you can change people’s lives as a chemist supervising the making of active ingredients in medicines
Nicola describes how chemistry enabled her to play a vital part as an assistant analyst in the anti-doping laboratory for the Olympic Games