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Dr Fenech-Salerno and Dr Singh represented the department at the inaugural 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ on Tour series in 2025 giving engaging taster lectures

and represented the Department of Chemistry at the inaugural 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ on Tour series in 2025, delivering a set of engaging taster lectures to Year 12 students across four locations in the UK. The tour aimed to inspire students considering an application to study Chemistry at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ. Colleagues from Civil Engineering, Earth Science and Engineering, Mathematics, Materials, and Medicine also delivered sessions, providing a rich, interdisciplinary snapshot of 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ's academic offerings.

The chemistry sessions, led by Dr Fenech-Salerno and Dr Singh, were structured into three distinct parts: before 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ, at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ, and after 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ.

In the 'before 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ' section, students were guided through the admissions process — from entry requirements to interview tips — giving them a clear understanding of what to expect when applying.

The 'at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ' section gave students a taste of life as a chemistry undergraduate. A typical timetable was shared, highlighting core and optional modules, and giving insight into how students would balance lectures, labs, tutorials, and independent study. To highlight studying chemistry at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ, the students participated in numerous live practical demonstrations, designed to showcase the hands-on, inquiry-based approach of the course. The overarching theme of light was exploited: students saw light being used in chemistry as a probe, as a reaction initiator, and light as a product of a chemical reaction. 

The session ended with life 'after 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ,' and appropriately explored graduate prospects and the types of areas a chemistry graduate could work in after they finish their undergraduate studies at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ. Dr Fenech-Salerno and Dr Singh also shared their personal research journeys, highlighting their PhD work and touching on cutting-edge departmental research in machine learning, photovoltaics, and automation.

A huge thank you to Felicity Hayter-Gare (Senior UK Student Recruitment Officer) and Thalia Burn (UK Student Recruitment Officer) from the Marketing, Outreach, Recruitment, and Admissions division of 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ for ensuring the four days ran as smoothly as possible. Special thanks also to Raj Sandhu (UG Education Manager, Chemistry) for coordinating departmental outreach and to Lottie Dyce (teaching technician) for preparation of the kits.