Fixing the future
Chemistry’s role in solving global issues
Our news bulletins are full of world problems that could seriously impact the lives of future generations. Climate change… pollution… energy crises… deforestation. Chemistry is working tirelessly behind the headlines and contributing to a better, sustainable world.
Chief executive officer, ViridiCO2
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.
Section leader, wind
Maria develops new and innovative coatings for wind turbines so that they can generate more renewable energy for longer.
Market development manager
Vikki helps develop sustainable packaging with less carbon dioxide impact and the ability to reduce food waste.
Head of research and sustainability
Raquel develops a sustainable fabric called Piñatex that looks a bit like leather and comes from pineapple leaves that would otherwise be burnt.
Research fellow, battery recycling
Zubera is discovering ways to recycle precious materials from electric car batteries.
Marine biogeochemist
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.
Research & development team leader - smart food labels
Giorgia leads a team at a small company that is helping to fight food waste by developing smart labels technology
Analytical technician, plastics
Celine modifies the molecular structure of plastics so they can biodegrade in the natural environment
Solar technology engineer
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.
PhD researcher
Lizzie investigates new battery materials for lithium-ion batteries which power devices such as smart phones, laptops and electric vehicles.
Chief technology officer and co-founder of Lixea, a sustainable solutions company
Florence is developing a way to produce raw materials that are renewable, reusable, recyclable and toxic free
Professor of biorefineries
Professor Sixta converts cellulose, a renewable resource found in wood or plants, into products like yarn for making clothes.
Professor of environmental chemistry
Patricia uses chemistry to develop new ways of detecting, monitoring and analysing quantities of environmental pollutants.
Research innovations manager
Margot is at the cutting-edge of science developing ways to make plastic biodegrade quickly and explaining this to others
Bioleaching lab technician
Emma collects and processes precious metals that are extracted from electronic waste products.
Radioactive waste consultant
Ian ensures radioactive waste is handled safely and also applies waste management techniques to technology that reduces risks of climate change
Environmental chemist
James helps protect the environment by assessing the risks to life from certain chemicals in soil, water and air
Analyst – higher apprentice, organic chemistry
Katty monitors the levels of organic materials in drinking and wastewater to ensure it is safe to drink.
Laboratory analyst and higher degree apprentice, water
Joseph helps ensure there is clean, safe, water for 15 million people in the UK whilst studying towards his chemistry degree
Atmospheric chemist
Zoë’s role involves finding ways to minimise the impact of humans on the natural world
