Kent (UK) RSC local section

The Kent Local Section of the Royal Society of Chemistry is one of the largest sections of the RSC both in area and in membership with around 1800 members covering the current county of Kent, the Medway unitary authority, and the south east London boroughs previously within the county of Kent.

Kent has had a long association with the chemical and allied industries, represented in the past by the paper, cement, brick and gunpowder industries. More recently, the county had a strong research and development presence in the pharmaceutical sector through companies such as Abbott Laboratories, Glaxo SmithKline and Pfizer as well as the printing industry (Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems) and flavours and fragrances (Givaudan – formerly Quest).

However, as part of the change in the research landscape, the county is home to an increasing number of smaller firms and start-ups, many of whom are located in the recently created science parks in Sittingbourne (Kent Science Park) and Sandwich (Discovery Park Limited).

The area covered by the Kent Local Section includes four universities – Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Kent at Canterbury, University of Greenwich and London South Bank University.

There is also provision for GNVQ and vocational courses at a number of local colleges. The Committee aims to have an active liaison with secondary and primary schools across the area both directly and through the Local Education Authorities.

Kent Local Section aims to support its members within its boundaries and to make the general public aware of the importance of the chemical sciences through a number of initiatives:

Organising networking events and social occasions during the year for all members
Providing support to all members resident in the area through an active network of Benevolent Fund Volunteers
Running symposia and lectures in collaboration with the local Universities and companies
Support an active schools liaison programme including offering grants for school chemistry clubs and for enhanced equipment in support of the chemical sciences, organising schools lectures, participation in the RSC Chemistry Challenge and assisting with Chemistry at Work events in the region

If you are interested in holding a schools lecture, participating in an event, acting as a Chemists' Community Fund Volunteer Visitor or contributing in any other way please contact the Secretary, Dave Alker.

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For further information on the Kent Local Section you can contact the Secretary, Dr David Alker CChem FRSC.

Secretary

Dr David Alker CChem FRSC

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Forthcoming events

Forthcoming events organised by the Kent Local Section.

Small Grants

Does your school want to run a Chemistry Club? Are you in need of enhanced equipment to inspire the next generation of Chemical Scientists? The Kent Local Section is now welcoming applications for small grants of up to £300 to support these activities. For more information and details on how to apply please see the submission portal.

School Travel Bursaries

Does your school want to take your students to an event or organisation to further their education and enthuse them about the Chemical Sciences? Kent Local Section is now welcoming applications for travel bursaries of up to £300 to support these activities. For more information and details on how to apply please see the application form.