2nd Annual Chemistry Alumni Christmas Reception
It is our great pleasure to invite all Oxford Chemistry Alumni to join us for our second annual evening reception. Last year this event was fully sold out in 24 hours so please register as soon as possible.
The wine and canapés reception will be hosted by Professor Tim Softley, Head of Department, and is an informal occasion meant to celebrate our alumni and the first year anniversary of the alumni relations program. Alan Howe will also be attending so be sure to wish him well in his retirement!
The reception will be held in the lovely Royal Society of Chemistry (Burlington House) in the heart of festive Christmas London. The evening will provide an opportunity for you to reconnect with old friends and colleagues, learn about the Department’s current research initiatives, and gain insight into our vision and plans for the future.
Please note that the cost of this event is subsidized by the Department of Chemistry in order to be as inclusive as possible.

Chemistry at the Oxford Alumni Weekend!
From 20-22 September 2013 the Department of Chemistry will be participating in the Oxford Alumni Weekend. All alumni are encouraged to attend this exciting event full of hands-on classes, behind the scenes tours, and inspiring lectures - and it is exceedingly good value at just £40 for the weekend bundle. View the full programme.
Friday 20 September from 4.15 – 5.15pm (ICL Lecture Theatre)
Fireworks Displays: The Chemistry of Explosive Entertainment
Dr Tom Smith - Chairman of the CBI pyrotechnic group & Secretary of the British Pyrotechnists Association.
Fireworks consultant, author and former Oxford chemist Dr Tom Smith explains the basic chemistry and construction of fireworks, and their use in modern fireworks displays. This lecture includes demonstrations of bangs, whistles and colours that will appeal to scientists and non-scientists of all ages. Tom has travelled the world acting as pyrotechnic consultant to the Olympic and Commonwealth Games and closer to home working on the London New Year celebrations since 1999. He has lectured on pyrotechnic chemistry in Germany, Spain and China and has recently published a book on firework displays.
Friday 20 September from 5.15 – 7.00pm (ICL Abbott's Kitchen)
Drinks Reception in the Abbott’s Kitchen
Join the Department of Chemistry for a drink in the historic Abbott’s Kitchen (the first chemistry lab in Oxford!) following Dr Tom Smith’s lecture. This informal reception is meant to gather and celebrate our alumni as a more intimate and chemistry-focused addition to the Alumni Weekend. The evening, hosted by Professor Tim Softley (Chairman of Chemistry) will provide an opportunity for you to reconnect with old friends and colleagues, learn about the Department’s current research initiatives, and gain insight into our vision and plans for the future.
Saturday 21 September 10.00am / 11.45am
Department of Chemistry Tours
Miss your old lab, or just curious about chemistry? Come on one of our student-led tours to see how the Department is contributing to fields including human health, cancer research, climate and energy solutions, clean water and food supply, communications, and transport. Visit some of our incredible machines, and learn about the latest cutting-edge research, including the 3D printing of artificial tissues. Tours will end with a cup of tea and a chance to test your dexterity skills and try some hands-on experiments in our interactive solar fuels exhibit (featured in the Royal Society Summer Exhibition 2013). Suitable for all ages.
Looking to change or develop your career? Join fellow Oxford alumni & recruiters at the
Alumni Careers Conference - Sat June 22 (London)https://www.alumni.ox.ac.uk/careersconference
Summer Science Strolls 2013 at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Learn something amazing about the chemistry of the natural world while you stroll around the beautiful Botanic Garden in the company of some of Oxford's most engaging researchers.
These guided science walks take place at 6.30pm on Thursday evenings at the Botanic Garden and will last approximately an hour followed by a glass of wine or soft drink.
http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/summer-science-strolls
Professional Networking
Careers in Science Communication
After the success of the inaugural chemistry reception on December 12th, 2012, we partnered with the central University of Oxford alumni office to offer another opportunity for networking and re-connecting with the department and with each other.
Date: 22 May 2013
Time: 6:30 -9pm
Organised by: Central Alumni Office
Invitees: Alumni (with priority booking for guests who were
on the waitlist for the Royal Institution
event in December 2012).
Dress code: Jacket and tie for gentleman; commensurate
dress for ladies. Please note that jeans are not appropriate.
Cost: £20
Venue: Oxford & Cambridge Club, 71 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HD
Oxford alumni (more than half of whom were chemists) met for an evening of discussions and networking focused on careers in science communication. Our expert panel will shared their experience and advice in the areas of science outreach, science journalism and broadcasting, as well as science policy.
Chemistry Alumni Speakers: Dr Mark Peplow (Merton) - former Chief News Editor at Nature magazine and Chemistry World & Dr Tim Stone (St Catherine's) - Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, and Expert Chair of the Office for Nuclear Development.