2025 has been a year of growth, creativity, and global connection for RACI’s Education, Careers and Outreach Unit — a unit of just two people, driven by one powerful purpose: connecting chemistry with people.
From classrooms and laboratories to galleries and global stages, this year has shown what’s possible when education, inclusion, and community sit at the heart of everything we do. Here’s a snapshot of what we achieved together in 2025.
Investing in Impact
Thanks to the incredible support of partners across government, industry, and universities, we secured more than $358,000 in sponsorship and grants across our education and outreach programs. This funding has enabled us to expand access, innovate program delivery, and reach new audiences around the world.
Expanding Our Global Reach
Our education and outreach resources continued to resonate globally in 2025:
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Over 41,000 visitors to our education and outreach webpages
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Strong international engagement across Australia, India, Southeast Asia, the United States, and beyond
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Continued success of Not All Chemists Wear Lab Coats, now showcasing 18 diverse chemistry career pathways — all available free to download
These resources are helping students, educators, and career changers see the many ways chemistry connects to the real world.
A Standout Year for the International Chemistry Quiz
The International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) reached new heights in 2025, with:
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28% growth in participation
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11 new countries joining the ICQ community
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Significant growth in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and New Zealand
We also proudly launched the ICQ Global Chemistry Educators Program, bringing students from across Asia together with Australian chemistry teachers for hands-on, immersive learning in China — strengthening international collaboration and teaching excellence.
Where Science Meets Creativity: Chemistry & Art
This year saw the launch of a brand-new International Chemistry & Art Competition, designed to engage students who might not traditionally connect with science:
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Nearly 500 entries from 15 countries
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More than 37,500 virtual gallery visitors and 151,000+ artwork clicks
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Powerful feedback from educators about reaching students who hadn’t previously engaged with chemistry
Creativity proved to be a powerful gateway into science.
Supporting Careers at Every Stage
In 2025, we launched a new Career Centre, providing RACI members with a dedicated space for job opportunities, career tools, and professional resources — supporting chemists at every stage of their journey.
Accreditation: A Mark of Quality
Accreditation continued to be a cornerstone of our work, with:
RACI x Rebel Girls: Inspiring Inclusive Futures
One of the most meaningful milestones of 2025 was the launch of the RACI x Rebel Girls Project, an initiative designed to inspire girls with disabilities to see themselves in STEM.
The project includes:
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A 44-page e-book, now also available in Braille
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A dedicated podcast episode
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Four free classroom activities
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Stories from 12 incredible women changemakers with disabilities
This project has reinforced a simple but powerful message: STEM is for everyone.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As we head into 2026, we’re building on this momentum by:
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Expanding our international education programs
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Strengthening pathways between education and industry
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Engaging at global conferences (including the NSTA Spring Conference in Los Angeles)
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Sending teachers to Shanghai for the 2026 ICQ Global Chemistry Educators Program
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Continuing to share inclusive, powerful stories about chemistry — and who belongs in it (hint: everyone!)
We’re also excited to share updates in the new year about:
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How to purchase a hard copy of Empowering the Future of STEM: Changemakers with Disabilities
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Refreshed and expanded activity resources designed for learners with low or no vision, including Braille versions
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to my colleague Christine Obeid, our partners, educators, sponsors, and the entire RACI community. Your passion, trust, and collaboration made everything we achieved in 2025 possible. 💙
Here’s to another year of connecting chemistry with people.
Wishing all of our RACI members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!