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Our outreach activities

We know how fulfilling a career in chemistry can be. We want to use our passion for the subject to inspire the next generation of chemists and support those who teach them.

Our Department runs a number of outreach programmes that are designed to promote, inspire and enrich chemistry topics taught in schools.

Examples of our outreach events include:

  • Alternatives to Medicine Day
  • University Open Days
  • Heroines of Science Day
  • Spectroscopy masterclasses
  • Spectroscopy in a Suitcase
  • Salters' Festival of Chemistry.

Please note: due to government advice regarding Covid-19, our in-person outreach activities are currently suspended. Please check back for further updates.

Lectures for Schools

Our Department of Chemistry presents a series of lectures for students in Year 11, 12 and 13. The lectures aim to enrich the topics covered in GCSE and A level chemistry.

Learn more about our Lectures for Schools
Group of secondary school pupils in a lab

Reading Scholars Programme

The Reading Scholars Programme gives Year 12 students a real taste of life as a university undergraduate. It provides participants with practical support as they begin their higher education application process.

Featuring input from leading academics and current undergraduate e-mentors, the programme aims to challenge participants academically and enhance their current studies.

As part of our commitment to widening participation, the programme is for students who meet our widening participation criteria.

Applications for the Reading Scholars Programme 2021 will open in October 2020.

Learn more about our taster sessions
“Reading Scholars was an excellent way to make my university choice and think about what career I want.

"The organised events gave me loads of opportunities to meet people with similar interests and aspirations.

"This programme gave me confidence in one of my most important decisions – in which field I want to extend my knowledge.”

Diana, Chemistry, Food Science and Pharmacy Scholar

Chemistry Teachers' Centre

Since 2000, our Chemistry Teachers' Centre has supported teachers to deliver chemistry in a way that inspires the next generation of chemists.

We have an annual programme of outreach activities suitable for Key Stage 3, 4 and 5. Activities include competitions promoting women in science and spectroscopy masterclasses.

The Chemistry Teachers' Centre meet once a year. Meetings are a great opportunity to network with other teachers and discuss current issues in chemistry teaching.

Email chem-outreach@reading.ac.uk to join our mailing list.

Group of secondary school pupils in a lab
Athena SWAN Silver Award