A couple of months ago, three academics from within Lancaster’s Chemistry Department – Dr M. Paz Muñoz, Dr Vilus Franckevicius and Dr Nick Fletcher - undertook the momentous task of leading an entire evening’s worth of Pint of Science talks. Pint of Science – an internationally recognised brand – occurs over a week in May, and involves academics of all different scientific disciplines coming together in pubs and bars across the world to deliver short science-based talks to a general audience.

Lancaster University has been taking part in Pint of Science for several years, and has hosted talks in venues across both Lancaster and Morecambe. This year, talks were delivered by academics and PhD students from LEC, the School of Mathematical Sciences, Psychology, as well as from further afield within the Faculty of Health and Medicine, but Chemistry’s evening in the Gregson was unique insofar as it was the only night being represented by a single department.

The three delivered fascinating 20-minute talks on “Molecules in Everyday Life” (Dr Muñoz), “From Molecules to Medicine” (Dr Franckevicius), and “Sending Chemical Spies into a Medical World” (Dr Fletcher), to a bar packed full of intrigued members of the public, who were given the opportunity to examine and handle 3D models of chemical molecules whilst the talks took place. The night itself was incredibly successful, was the best attended of the series and was highly praised by attendees, highlighting the benefits and worth of engaging with the public.

On the evening, Dr Vilus Franckevicius said: “For me personally, the best part of the evening was the breadth and diversity of questions at the end of the talks and the conversations afterwards that were the most inspiring. To be able to share my passion for science with such a curious and enthusiastic audience made it a lovely evening.”

Dr Muñoz has been the lead in spearheading Chemistry’s move to increase their levels of public and business engagement as the Director of Engagement, and has already led on Chemistry’s exhibit at this year’s Campus in the City, launched a new Industrial Placement variant of the Chemistry MChem undergraduate degree programme, established the Chemistry Department Industry Advisory Board, and is expanding outreach links into the Cumbira region. She is also currently working with the Research and Engagement Team to encourage postdoctoral members of the Department to take part in the Postdoc Appreciation Week taking place in September.

She commented: “Pint of Science was a great opportunity to bring Chemistry and some of the research areas we are working on at Lancaster University to the general public. Although it is always nerve-wracking to be in front of an audience, it was great to be able to show them my passion for organic chemistry and how it impacts our everyday life and everything we do.”

"Participating in public engagement is our best opportunity to share important developments in chemical sciences with the public, increase public awareness of the benefits of (chemical) research, change incorrect perceptions, and inspire young people to become the next generation of scientists. It increases the Department's and University's visibility, our reputation, and allows academics to develop crucial communication skills and share their passion. Chemistry and the research we do at the University - either directly or indirectly - will impact the public and our quality of life, so let’s share it with them!"

Anyone interested in taking part in public engagement events with the Chemistry Department or the wider Faculty should contact Dr Muñoz and Ellen Greyling (Research Engagement Officer for Chemistry) to register their interest.