Page 30 - Periodic ISSUE 8

Ce
The ntenary

of the DPhil

critical need for more sustainable energy, the plastic While some challenges may still lie ahead, we have
waste crisis, and many more. They are engaging no doubt that our current and incoming students will
with the public to shine a light on the vast potential have a successful academic year. As a Department we
of chemistry research. They are fuelling dialogue to will do everything we can to facilitate this. We hope
catalyse equality and diversity in research settings. to celebrate the centenary with you in person at some
Like their predecessors, today’s Oxford Chemistry point in the future, and look forward to sharing with
students really are shaping our future, in the you updates on some of the students who benefit
Department and far beyond. from our Centenary Fund over the course of the
coming academic year
There is always difficulty associated with finding
funding for students, something that is truer this
year than ever before. We are very grateful to all the
members of our alumni community who have made
generous contributions to our Centenary Fund so far,
Thank you to all those who have responded to the Department’s Centenary Campaign to celebrate which will enable us to support outstanding students
one century since the completion of the first DPhil in Oxford Chemistry. We have heard from alumni and their research during this period of uncertainty
all over the world, with stories of their time in Oxford, advice for current and future students, and upheaval.
and wonderful tributes to supervisors for all the support and guidance they provided. We are also
extremely grateful for the generous donations that alumni have been making, which will help us
proactively support the next generation of DPhil students in the Department.

Given the nature of chemistry research, every Oxford Chemistry student has a
unique experience. One thing that unites all those who have studied here over Will you share your story? make a real impact to the lives of Oxford Chemistry
the past century is resilience. From working tirelessly to repeat experiments in Please do get in touch to share memories of Oxford students. There are many other ways to support students
the quest for replicable data, to the long hours in the lab and the challenges of Chemistry or offer your words of wisdom to today’s as well – perhaps you’d be interesting in mentoring,
publishing papers, chemists certainly don’t give up at the first hurdle. students – we would be delighted to hear from you. We’d offering an internship. Please contact us to learn more.
also love to see any photos you might have from your
Earlier this year, however, Oxford Chemistry students were tested in a new way – time in the Department. To share your memories or to support Oxford Chemistry
with the temporary closure of the laboratory buildings. They showed (and continue students, please contact Jane Rice in Chemistry’s
to show) great resilience in response to this unprecedented challenge. Will you help shape the future for Oxford Development & Alumni Relations Office:
Chemistry students? Will you make a gift towards
They have managed to keep driving forward important work and (in the case of our Centenary Campaign to help support outstanding jane.rice@chem.ox.ac.uk
Part II and DPhil students) have continued to fulfil their roles as crucial members students and their research? You can make a gift online at +44(0)1865 275 093
of their groups. They are using their creativity and curiosity in new ways to push development.chem.ox.ac.uk/centenary-campaign,
boundaries with their research. They are using chemistry to help address major or get in touch using the details below. You can also Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory,
global challenges, such as COVID-19, food security, antimicrobial resistance, the return the enclosed form, but please note with current South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ;
restrictions there may be a delay in processing gifts made or by using the enclosed form.
by mail. We are extremely grateful for all donations, which

30 31
Periodic The Magazine of the Department of Chemistry The Magazine of the Department of Chemistry Periodic