Hundreds of Aberdeenshire Pupils Explore STEM at RGU’s Chemistry at Work Event
Tuesday 27 January 2026
Hosted by the School of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences and Public Health (SPASPH), the event brought chemistry to life through a series of hands-on workshops and demonstrations led by academic experts and industry partners.
Throughout the day, pupils took part in lab activities focused on Microbiology, Forensic Science, and Food Science, and learned more about the diverse career opportunities within the chemistry field.
The programme aimed to help pupils connect what they learn in school with real career pathways by exposing them to scientific principles and techniques used in professional laboratory and industry settings.
Dr Gemma Barron, Lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences and Public Health said: “Engaging young people in STEM early is vital — hands-on experiences spark curiosity, build confidence, and show students that science is something they can do, not just something they learn about.
“We’re proud to host the Chemistry at Work event at RGU, in particular in the School of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences and Public Health, as we are playing a part in inspiring the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers.”
Now in its third year, the Chemistry at Work programme continues to grow in strength thanks to the support of local authority partners and the Royal Society of Chemistry, which funds outreach initiatives designed to widen access to science and inspire greater participation in STEM subjects.
A spokesperson for the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “The Aberdeen and North Scotland branch of the Royal Society of Chemistry is delighted to sponsor Chemistry at Work, in partnership with RGU. The event is an excellent opportunity for local employers to highlight the huge number of careers available to graduates in Chemistry.”
Beyond the hands-on experiments, the event gave pupils the opportunity to experience RGU’s state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, which are used to train the next generation of scientists for industry. It offered a meaningful introduction to the kinds of scientific environments and challenges encountered in further study and the workplace.
Engagement with academic staff and industry partners throughout the day also helped pupils build confidence as they explored different areas of chemistry and developed their communication skills.
A schoolteacher present on the day said: “Chemistry at Work allows pupils to experience a taste of what studying sciences at university holds. It gives them the opportunity to reflect on the importance of subject course choices for S4 and equipping themselves for their future career options.
“Interacting with further and higher education providers together with a range of employers highlighted that a working knowledge of chemistry is essential to complete tasks safely and efficiently.”
The annual event forms part of RGU’s wider commitment to widening access, strengthening community connections, and promoting pathways into STEM disciplines.