60 Years of Chemistry at York

A project by: The University of York

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Opening doors for the next generation of Scientists through your generosity

During our celebrations of 60 years of Chemistry at York, taking place on Saturday 13th September, we are also inviting alumni and friends to donate to GenerationResearch and help build opportunities for students who will shape the future for the next 60 Years.

Chemistry At York

The world faces many critical challenges, from the climate emergency and food security, to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Chemistry is central to solving these challenges, especially when it is applied across disciplinary boundaries. Our mission is to be a department that is a force for good by working to solve these global challenges through delivering the highest-impact research and teaching.

Chemistry at York has made remarkable progress since its early years. The original department was founded in 1965 by Professor Dick Norman with the support of Dr David Waddington. Their joint vision and dedication established a thriving community of researchers and students, which continues to this day.

To find out more about the department and our history please visit our webpages here. 

Campus aerial view 1970.

The 60th Anniversary Celebrations

The department is welcoming back alumni, staff, friends and members of the community for our 60th anniversary celebrations on Saturday 13 September. The day will be a great opportunity to hear about the development of the department over the years and what the future might hold for Chemical Research at a university that focuses on the public good.

The day will consist of a number of talks and lectures as well as a tour of the department. Find out more and book your place here.

About GenerationResearch and our fundraising ambition

We want our 60 years celebration to further the Department’s legacy, and contribute to an inclusive future for chemistry and STEM students. We are therefore asking for donations towards GenerationResearch, an initiative set up at York to provide authentic paid studentship positions across disciplines in a range of technical and research projects, widening access to all university students in order to be inclusive and diverse in answering the question; who will our next generation of scientists be?

To ensure an impactful and inclusive future for STEM, it is crucial to engage diverse communities of highly-skilled individuals to empower the next generation. However, essential investment in early career stages often fails to reach some of the most talented undergraduates. This is where GenerationResearch comes in.

GenerationResearch provides the following in STEM subjects for UK students from underrepresented groups:

  • 6-12-week paid summer studentship placements at universities across the North and employers across the UK, for undergraduates from any university in Yorkshire
  • Masters by Research scholarships for graduates from any UK university
  • PhD scholarships for graduates from any UK university

Each student will benefit from the mentorship of a personal supervisor, and become part of the GenRes community. This involves four meet-ups over the summer, the chance to celebrate and present their work at an annual Symposium, and making connections with a group of over 100 GenRes alumni to enable a supportive network for their future.

We are hoping to raise £8,200, which would be enough to cover one full summer studentship in a Chemistry project for a student in 2026. This cost includes a salary for the student for 10 weeks, a bursary for accommodation, project costs, and a contribution towards GenerationResearch running costs. If we don't reach the full target, any money raised will still contribute to funding a summer studentship through the GenerationResearch programme. 

These opportunities have the possibility of shaping careers and changing the lives of students who otherwise would not be in a position to access them, and will contribute to shaping the future of Chemistry and STEM more broadly.

Please consider joining fellow alumni, friends and professors, past and present, in helping us to reach our goal. Giving generously today will expand our ability to make a huge difference to future students. Thank you.