CATALYST FOR CHANGE

On Thursday 19th September, Sixth Form science students were treated to a presentation from Professor John Chew, Professor of Fluid Mechanics and Surfaces at the University of Bath. This talk forms part of the Darwin Lecture Series, an initiative which invites guest speakers to inspire and challenge our young people in a range of different disciplines. 

Professor Chew discussed how chemical engineering can help to address the challenges that society is facing in four key areas: water, energy, food, and well-being as we face a growing aging population globally.

In particular the talk explored how humanity's ever growing need for resources is impacting on the environment, and how chemical engineering techniques can help to minimise this. He also spoke more broadly about exactly what being a chemical engineer can involve and the effect this profession has on the world we live in. Students also found out more about the University of Bath as a destination to study. The university, located in the UNESCO world heritage city is traditionally a very popular choice for Shrewsbury graduates. 

Mr Walton, Senior Chemistry Teacher said “This kind of event is so valuable to our students as it allows them to see how what we learn in class can be applied to real life situations; useful insights and perspectives that can help to inform their university applications. It also lets them see what university study is like and opens their eyes to the types of careers available within STEM. It is really helpful for them to see how scientists are tackling the world's problems systematically through sustainable development goals.” 

A huge thank you to Professor Chew for visiting our Sixth Form and to those who organised the lecture.