Department of Chemistry

Description: Oxford is one of the leading chemistry departments in the world, offering world-class teaching along with 80+ research groups at the cutting-edge of experimentation, commercialization, and fundamental science. The latest (2008) Research Assessment Exercise confirmed that Oxford Chemistry has the highest “power rating” (breadth and depth of science) in the UK. The Department has played a key role in shaping the modern world, with contributions ranging from the lithium-ion battery to the blood-glucose sensor and from historical breakthroughs in crystallography to the advent of personal medicine with DNA technology. Our researchers are currently engaged in a number of innovative themes of work address and are poised to address global challenges in areas such as healthcare, climate and energy solutions, clean water and food supply, next-generation communications, transport and computing. For more information on our research, please visit http://www.chem.ox.ac.uk/researchthemes.asp.

All episodes

Title	Description	People	Date
An Outdoor Pause: Skipping Stones, Splashes (and some tea to conclude)	The 6th and final session of the Hinshelwood 2018 chemistry lecture series	Lydéric Bocquet	20 September, 2018
Ski Friction and the Alchemy of Waxing	The 5th session of the 2018 Hinshelwood lecture series	Lydéric Bocquet	20 September, 2018
Interfacial Transport: from Colloid Transport to Active Matter	4th lecture in the 2018 Hinshelwood lecture series delivered by Professor Lydéric Bouquet, Directeur de Recherche, CNRS, and Professor of Physics, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris	Lydéric Bocquet	4 May, 2018
Playing with Osmosis: Kidney Filtration, Active Sieving and Energy Harvesting	3rd Lecture in the 2018 Hinshelwood lecture series, with Professor Lyderic Bocquet, Directeur de Recherche, CNRS, and Professor of Physics, Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris	Lydéric Bocquet	1 May, 2018
Flows at Nanoscales, from Exotic Transport to Ionic Machines	2nd lecture in the 2018 Hinshelwood lecture series delivered by Professor Lyderic Bouquet, Directeur de Recherche, CNRS, and Professor of Physics, Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris	Lydéric Bocquet	1 May, 2018
General introduction: Soft Interfaces and Scales Slippery Roads of Hydrodynamic Slippage	1st Lecture in the 2018 Hinshelwood lecture series, with Professor Lyderic Bocquet, Directeur de Recherche, CNRS, and Professor of Physics, Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris.	Lydéric Bocquet	30 April, 2018
The enzymology of thiamin (vitamin B1) metabolism: biosynthesis, degradation and a thiamin-based antimetabolite.	Professor Tadhg Begley, Texas A and M University delivers the 2017 Newton Abraham Lecture.	Tadhg Begley, Rajesh Thakker	19 September, 2017
Unlocking the Power of Hydrogen	Kylie Vincent and Philip Ash discuss how bacteria harness the energy stored within hydrogen molecules, and how this could help build a more sustainable energy future.	Kylie Vincent, Philip Ash	10 June, 2015
Chemistry is Central to our Energy Future	Phil Grunewald, Deputy Director of Energy Research at the University of Oxford, explains how chemistry helps to solve global energy challenges.	Phil Grunewald	10 June, 2015
Nanoparticle Catalysis: Size Matters	Hanif Mahadi, Researcher in Edman Tsang’s group, explains how nanoparticle catalysts help us use fossil fuels more efficiently and develop cleaner alternative sources of energy.	Hanif Mahadi	10 June, 2015
Using Catalysts to Make Exhaust Fumes Greener	How can we reduce the pollution from car exhausts?	Elizabeth Raine	10 June, 2015
The Energy Challenge: Research at Oxford	Providing secure, affordable and sustainable forms of energy is one of our biggest challenges this century. Hear how the cutting-edge fundamental research we undertake addresses real world problems and helps us to move towards a more sustainable future.	Phil Grunewald	10 June, 2015
How can eating chocolate teach us about chemistry? Celebrating the Year of Crystallography	A film produced as part of the Oxford Open Doors 2014 which examines some interesting research at Oxford Chemistry with some thoughts from the general public.	Chris Schofield, Richard Cooper, Charlotte Richards	16 January, 2015
Can we starve tumours? Oxford Chemistry joins Cancer Research UK in the fight for the cure	A film produced as part of the Oxford Open Doors 2014, reflecting on some of the exciting cancer research being undertaken in the Oxford Chemistry Department. With Professor Chris Schofield, Oxford University, and Charlotte Richards, Cancer Research UK.	Chris Schofield, Charlotte Richards	16 January, 2015
X-Ray crystallography: revealing the shape of molecules	Dr Richard Cooper on x-ray crystallography - an incredibly powerful technique for determining the 3D structure of crystals.	Richard Cooper	23 June, 2014
The Zeeman Decelerator and ultracold chemistry	The Zeeman Deceleator is used to do ‘ultracold chemistry’ – slowing down molecules in order to study reactions. Katrin Dulitz shows off her amazing machine.	Katrin Dulitz	19 June, 2014
Incredible Machines: Conclusion	Dr Ashley Shepherd concludes the Incredible Machines series by explaining what makes her the most excited about working as a scientist in the Department of Chemistry.	Ashley Shepherd	19 June, 2014
Mass spectrometry: how does it work, and why should you care?	From cutting-edge cancer research to sustainable fish farming, Dr James McCullagh explains the importance of mass spectrometry.	James McCullagh	19 June, 2014
Glassblowing: a beautiful, crucial, trade	Watch glassblower Terri Adams in action as she creates scientific tools from the flames.	Terri Adams	19 June, 2014
Inside NMR Spectroscopy	Dr Tim Claridge takes apart an NMR machine to show us how this technique is used in research with application in human health and beyond.	Tim Claridge	19 June, 2014
The Stark Decelerator & ultracold chemistry	The Stark Decelerator was built from scratch in the basement of the Chemistry Department. Dr Brianna Heazelwood shows how this incredible device is used to study molecules.	Brianna Heazlewood	19 June, 2014
Incredible Machines: Introduction	Dr Ashley Shepherd introduces the extraordinary machines used by Oxford chemists, and tells us about her work as a surface analyst.	Ashley Shepherd	19 June, 2014
Meet the Scientists - DNA Synthesis	Angelina Measures, DPhil student in the Conway Group, Oxford, synthesises small molecules to study how our DNA is stored and used. Angelina discusses the unique practical skills gained from a chemistry degree, and shares what she loves about research.	Angelina Measures	11 April, 2014
Meet the Scientists - Collaborations with the Oxford Botanic Garden	Alison Foster, Senior Curator of the Oxford Botanic Garden, discusses her daily work and the transition she has made from working in a lab to working in the garden.	Alison Foster	9 October, 2013
Meet the Scientists - Solar Fuels and Artificial Photosynthesis	Andreas Bachmeier, a DPhil student in the Armstrong Group, Oxford University, gives a glimpse into his research and his life outside of work, including a love for rowing and German beer.	Andreas Bachmeier	9 October, 2013
Meet the Scientists - Transparent Conductors	Alex T. Vai, DPhil student in the Donohoe Group, University of Oxford, describes his exciting research into touch-screen technology and also tells of his outside work ventures in orienteering and orchestra.	Alex T. Vai	4 October, 2013
Meet the Scientists - Solar Fuels, Bacteria and Hydrogen	Dr Rhiannon Evans from the Armstrong Group, University of Oxford, gives a short account of her research studies into solar fuels, as well as giving an insight to her life outside of research.	Rhiannon Evans	4 October, 2013
Meet the Scientists - Solar Fuels and Enzymes	Susannah Hexter, DPhil Student in the Armstrong Group, University of Oxford, describes her love for Chemistry and discusses her hobbies outside of work.	Susannah Hexter	4 October, 2013
Conclusion: How Chemistry Research Impacts Human Health	Wrapping up this series on human health, Dr Emily Flashman talks about her work studying the mechanisms by which our bodies respond to low levels of oxygen.	Emily Flashman	19 July, 2013
Practical Uses of NMR: Exploring Enzymes to Fight Disease	The mutant enzymes that cause disease in our bodies can be combated by chemical inhibitors if we understand how these molecules are interacting.	Ivanhoe Leung	19 July, 2013
Lasers, Cell Membranes, and the Basis of Life	Being a chemist doesn't have to mean giving up on biology and physics.	Mark Wallace, Matt Baker	19 July, 2013
Synthesizing Anti-Cancer Drugs from Nature	Chemicals found in nature can have incredibly useful functionality, including anti-malarial and anti-cancer properties. However, they are usually found in small amounts.	Chris Jones	19 July, 2013
3D Printing and The Structure of Proteins	Using 3D printed molecules, Rok Sekirnik, a DPhil student in the emerging field of chemical biology, shows how protein structures can be determined in some of the Department's most distinctive looking labs.	Rok Sekirnik	19 July, 2013
Epigenetics and New Anti-Cancer Treatments	At the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine, Cyrille Thinnes, a DPhil student in the Schofield Group, shares his research into the next generation of anti-cancer treatments.	Cyrille Thinnes	19 July, 2013
Introduction: How Chemistry Research Impacts Human Health	To truly understand disease, we need to understand the underlying chemical processes that direct human biology. Dr Emily Flashman introduces some of the research in the Department of Chemistry that will help improve our health in future.	Emily Flashman	19 July, 2013
Conclusion: Inspired by Nature	The current energy crisis is a time of intense challenges but also of opportunities for fantastic science and innovative ideas.	Alex T. Vai	19 July, 2013
Artificial Photosynthesis - From Photon to Fuel	Andrea Bachmeier, a DPhil student in the Armstrong Group, is helping to create a fully integrated artificial photosynthesis (APS) system which could be much more efficient at turning sunlight into fuel than living systems.	Andreas Bachmeier	19 July, 2013
Photosynthesis in Nature	Dr Alison Foster, a former chemist and Senior Curator at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden explains the principals of natural photosynthesis that the Armstrong Group is trying to mimic in the lab.	Alison Foster	19 July, 2013
Enzymes as Fuel Producers	Growing energy demand worldwide is a crucial challenge for chemists. Suzannah Hexter, Armstrong Group, shows how, with the help of enzymes, the principles of photosynthesis may be artificially exploited and improved to provide a clean energy resource.	Suzannah Hexter	19 July, 2013
Introduction to Solar Fuels	In an 'Oxford tutorial' style podcast, Professor Fraser Armstrong introduces the concept of artificial photosynthesis: coupling a light harvesting material with a fuel producer in order to generate storable energy from sunlight.	Fraser Armstrong	19 July, 2013
Conclusion: Strange Substances and Structures	Imagine being able to transform an insulating material into an electrical conductor just by touching it with a magnet.	Andrew Goodwin	18 July, 2013
Crystals, Hydrothermal Bombs, and the Study of Strange Mechanical Properties	Andrew Cairns and Ines Collings, DPhil students in the Goodwin Group, explain how they make single crystals in the lab and study their unusual properties.	Andrew Cairns, Ines Collings	18 July, 2013
Supercapacitors, Ionic Liquids, and Implications for Sustainable Energy	From smart phones to electric cars, batteries and energy storage devices are vital. Dr Nico Cousens is studying ionic liquid supercapacitors - a next generation technology with the potential to transform energy storage and power the cars of the future.	Nico Cousens	18 July, 2013
Patent Law	Dr John Fisher (Oriel College, 2001), talks about his role as a patent attorney, and offers advice for students who are considering a similar career. It's all about advocacy!	John Fisher	17 July, 2013
Science Journalism	Laura Howes (Merton, 2001), a science correspondent for Chemistry World, talks about the ins and out of science journalism in general, and her path to a career with the Royal Society of Chemistry.	Laura Howes	17 July, 2013
Science Communication at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden	Dr Alison Foster (Jesus College), Senior Curator at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, talks about her journey from industrial pharmaceutical chemistry research to her current role in horticulture, and offers some tips for major career transitions.	Alison Foster	17 July, 2013
Industry research and management at Infineum	Dr Martin-Dare Edwards (University College, 1974), Project Director for Infineum UK, talks about transitioning from research to management roles within the chemical industry.	Martin-Dare Edwards	17 July, 2013
Part 3 - My path to academic success - Asel Sartbaeva	Dr Asel Sartbaeval, a Lecturer at the University of Bath, discusses her path from Kyrgyzstan to Oxford and beyond, and offers some advice on balancing career success with family and relationships.	Asel Sartbaeva	17 July, 2013
Part 2 - My path to academic success - Ed Anderson	Dr Ed Anderson, a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford gives an overview of his current role, and advice on issues he encountered along the way, including the benefits of a post doctoral position in the USA.	Ed Anderson	17 July, 2013
Part 1 - My path to academic success - Alison Parkin	Dr Alison Parkin, who has just started her own lab group at the University of York, talks about taking career development step by step, and the importance of both research and teaching in academic careers.	Alison Parkin	17 July, 2013
What has chemistry ever done for me? Or, how did I get here?	Professor Lesley Yellowlees, the first female President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, talks about the choices she had to make in order to obtain her two dream jobs (and hold them at the same time).	Lesley Yellowlees	17 July, 2013
Oxford at Said: A human genome in minutes and what it will mean to you	Oxford Nanopore is a British company, spun out of the University of Oxford in 2005 and founded on the science of Prof Hagan Bayley. It is developing new technology that has the potential to improve greatly the speed and cost of DNA sequencing.	Hagan Bayley	25 March, 2013
Molecular Gastronomy is Not Molecular Cooking: A Demonstration: Part 2	Second part of the Molecular Gastronomy is Not Molecular Cooking: A Demonstration special lecture, combining chemistry with cooking. With leading chemist Professor Hervé This and top chef Raymond Blanc OBE.	Hervé This, Raymond Blanc	22 December, 2010
Molecular Gastronomy is Not Molecular Cooking: A Demonstration: Part 1	First part of a special Christmas event, with Professor Hervé This; Physical Chemist in the Molecular Gastronomy Group at the Chemistry Laboratory of AgroParisTech and Raymond Blanc OBE; renowned chef and owner of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons.	Hervé This, Raymond Blanc	22 December, 2010
Christmas Chemistry Show 2010	Join chemists Dr Hugh Cartwright and Dr Malcolm Stewart at Oxford University and find out just how much fun chemistry can be. You will be entertained and educated by the sort of chemistry you never get to see at school, baffling, tantalising and LOUD.	Hugh Cartwright, Malcolm Stewart	18 December, 2010
Chemistry Information Day Talk	A talk about Chemistry, studying at Oxford, the course, admissions and Oxford interviews.	Nick Green	19 September, 2008
Electrochemistry Research	Professor Richard Compton talks about his research interests, plans and spin-out companies.	Richard Compton	17 September, 2008
Chemistry at Oxford	Why chemistry will change the world - Interview with former Chairman of Chemistry and Waynflete Professor of Chemistry: Professor S.G. Davies.	Steve Davies	11 September, 2008
Science at Oxford in the 17th Century: Boyle, Hooke and others	Dr. Allan Chapman lectures at the Sutton Trust Chemistry Summer School, a week long workshop featuring chemistry lectures and lab work.	Allan Chapman	2 May, 2008
The Worlds Smallest Crystals	Prof. Malcolm Green lectures at the Sutton Trust Chemistry Summer School, a week long workshop featuring chemistry lectures and lab work.	Malcolm Green	2 May, 2008
From Solomon to Marangoni: Surface Tension Effects in Chemistry	Dr. Colin Bain lectures at the Sutton Trust Chemistry Summer School, a week long workshop featuring chemistry lectures and lab work.	Colin Bain	2 May, 2008
Animal Magnetism	Prof. Peter Hore lectures at the Sutton Trust Chemistry Summer School, a week long workshop featuring chemistry lectures and lab work.	Peter Hore	2 May, 2008
Computer Aided Drug Design	Prof. Graham Richards lectures at the Sutton Trust Chemistry Summer School, a week long workshop featuring chemistry lectures and lab work.	Graham Richards	24 April, 2008
Entertaining Chemistry	Dr. Hugh Cartwright gives his chemistry demonstrations at the Sutton Trust Chemistry Summer School, a week long workshop featuring chemistry lectures and lab work.	Hugh Cartwright	22 April, 2008

Department of Chemistry

Related

Series in this collection

Hinshelwood Lectures 2018 - Soft Interfaces: A Journey Across Scales

Chemistry for the Future: Clean Energy

Chemistry for the Future: Incredible Machines

Chemistry for the Future: Meet the Scientists

Chemistry Spotlight Lectures

So you want to study Chemistry?

Chemistry for the Future: Human Health

Chemistry for the Future: Solar Fuels

Chemistry for the Future: Strange Substances and Structures

Careers in Chemistry: Beyond Academia

All episodes