Chemistry making its mark

We awarded the latest National Chemical Landmark to Saltend Chemicals Park, on the north bank of the Humber east of Hull, as the BP-managed site celebrates 100 years of industrial operations.

Following the launch of our outreach strategy last year we have refocused the scheme. The award of our distinctive blue plaques will now include a greater emphasis on public visibility, in addition to recognising sites where the chemical sciences have made a significant contribution to society. In doing so, we hope to give everyone an insight into the relevance of chemistry in their everyday lives.

We have also increased the number of awards we make each year from four to six, and are now looking for suggestions for sites that could become a Chemical Landmark. Ranging from sites where important chemists were born, lived or died to those where major discoveries were made, these might include schools, town centres or even holiday cottages.

Royal Society of Chemistry Past President, Professor Dave Garner, presented the Saltend landmark plaque to Dr Scott Roberts, BP Petrochemicals Director of Research. Professor Garner said: “The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Chemical Landmark scheme recognises places where chemical developments have made significant contributions to health, wealth or the quality of life of the nation.

“Saltend Chemicals Park merits such recognition because of the major advances that have taken place there during its distinguished 100-year history, leading to the formation of a world-class centre for the production of chemicals.”

The Chemical Landmark plaque citation reads:  “In recognition of 100 years of innovation in supplying the UK with transportation fuels and base chemicals. Saltend has uniquely combined in one location the research, development and commercialisation of numerous new processes for the manufacture of organic acids, alcohols and their derivatives.”

Find out more about the Chemical Landmark scheme and view the application form.