Autumn Chemistry Conference 2026
Booking is now OPEN!
On Thursday 24th September, our Autumn Chemistry Conference will be delivered in the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, and streamed online. There will be an opportunity to ask questions during the event.
Open to students studying A-level Chemistry or an equivalent qualification (16-19 yrs) and their teachers and parents/carers interested in finding out more about the cutting edge research happening in the field of chemistry, and hosted by the Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford. Those yet to start a post-16 Chemistry qualification are more than welcome to attend however please be aware this conference is aimed at those already undertaking such a qualification.
Further information on the talks to come!
About the speakers:
Prof. Yimon Aye A Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at the University of Oxford and a Fellow at Pembroke College, Yimon Aye leads a research group that studies how small, reactive molecules help cells communicate and control important processes in the body. Her team is especially known for work on ‘electrophile signalling’, a type of chemical communication that affects many different activities inside cells, and they have also uncovered hidden aspects of nucleotide signalling pathways that help protect the genome (our DNA). Her group has developed innovative tools, including light-activated molecules, to study these processes more precisely in living systems. Using a mix of chemistry and biology techniques, her lab investigates how these signals work and how they relate to health and disease, including how some anti-cancer drugs function. Originally from Burma, Professor Aye’s career has taken her from Oxford to Harvard and MIT, and her research aims to support the development of new medicines and technologies. |
Prof. Grant Ritchie A Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oxford, Grant Ritchie leads a research group that develops advanced laser-based techniques to detect and study gases and chemical reactions. His work has applications in atmospheric chemistry, semiconductor manufacturing, and healthcare. In this talk, he will focus on plasmas - energetic gases used to produce the tiny electronic components found in modern computer chips - and how scientists can use highly sensitive laser techniques to study them. His group investigates the chemistry taking place inside plasmas to help improve industrial processes and develop new technologies, while also exploring applications in areas such as medicine and environmental science. Alongside his research, Professor Ritchie works closely with scientists, engineers and clinicians, and has written textbooks on atmospheric chemistry and physics for chemists. |
In-person Registration
Sixth form students are welcome to attend unaccompanied, provided they are aged 16 or over on the day of the event and that they have given us an emergency contact name and number (you will be able to provide this information on the form).
Priority for in-person spaces will be given to local state schools, but other local schools, and those further afield, are welcome to register for surplus places. A waiting list will apply and all those not allocated an in-person space will be invited to attend online.
We will be offering optional tours which will include an Oxford College and our brand-new self-guided chemistry-focused tour of the Ashmolean Museum (timed-entry applies), created in partnership with the Ashmolean Museum. All tours will run from around 12:00 - 15:15.
Deadline to apply is Tuesday 1st September 2026, 12:00PM. WE ARE FULLY BOOKED - Please do continue to sign up if you would like to be placed on the waiting list.
Online Registration
Online spaces are open to all students studying A-level Chemistry or an equivalent qualification (16-19 yrs) and their teachers and parents/carers interested in finding out more about the cutting edge research happening in the field of chemistry.
Deadline to apply is Monday 21st September 2026, 12:00PM.
