Dr Baljit Thatti FRSC

One of the memorable experiences for me was when I was involved as a volunteer for the Chemistry Challenge at a local event. It was warming to see the school kids so amazed by the equipment and resources that the university had to offer. It was a moment when they felt that chemical sciences as a subject was something within their reach and achievable.

Volunteering for me has provided me with a strong sense of purpose as a champion of change. Through my volunteering work, I am able to contribute meaningfully to changing the way in which chemical sciences is perceived.

My role on the committees has exposed me to meeting other professionals from academia and industry who are as equally passionate as I am about making a difference. It has given me the opportunity to gain skills in policy and strategy engagement and these are all transferable skills that I use across my role within higher education.

If you are contemplating volunteering it means you are intrigued about what it holds! However you decide to volunteer, it is an opportunity for you to feel part of a connected and looked-after community. Whether you decide to join your local section committee or volunteer to support any local event taking place, there will be something that suits you and around the time you have available. It is a really rewarding way to give back to the community and share your passion for the chemical sciences. But equally, as you build new friendships, it enables you to be able to gain confidence in a safe space.

I am really excited to see how science, and particularly chemistry, will be changing society. For example, the impact and influence that the next generation of diverse chemical scientists will have on engaging with policymakers. I envisage that there will be greater collaboration across different disciplines with Chemistry as it underpins everything around us.