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RACI Welcomes New Science and Industry Leadership in Federal Government

By Jenny Pham posted 4 days ago
MEDIA RELEASE 13 May 2025 RACI Welcomes New Science and Industry Leadership in Federal Government The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) warmly welcomes the appointment of Senator the Hon. Tim Ayres as Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, and Dr. Andrew Charlton MP as Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, following the recent Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. RACI CEO, Mr. Shenal Basnayake said, I believe that Senator Ayres and Dr. Charlton will bring a wealth of experience and commitment to advancing Australia’s scientific ...

Introducing the RACI Member Spotlight Series: Celebrating the People Behind the Chemistry

By Jenny Pham posted 4 days ago
Introducing the RACI Member Spotlight Series: Celebrating the People Behind the Chemistry Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the names on research papers, the faces behind the emails, or the journeys that led your colleagues to where they are today? At RACI, we believe that chemistry is so much more than experiments and equations- it’s about people, passion, and the vibrant journeys that connect us all. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Member Spotlight Series! Shining a Light on Our Community This new series is all ...

Query regarding Hot Nitre Bluing

By Samantha Telepe posted 16 days ago
Good afternoon Members, We have received an enquiry from a manufacturer needing some assistance with the process of hot nitre bluing and heating potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate to temperatures upward of 350-400 degrees. If any member is able to assist with this enquiry, please contact Brett Castle via email Brett@concepttitan.com.au Thank you National Office

Seminar on Home Electricity this Friday 2 May

By Jenny Pham posted 18 days ago
Join Prof. Jeff Reimers for an engaging and interactive online seminar where you'll gain a clear understanding of how our electricity system works. This session is perfect for everyone: whether you use electricity without paying for it, pay for your consumption, or even sell electricity back to the grid. Bring your mobile phone for a hands-on experience as you explore how to save money on electricity bills while supporting the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Learn to identify the best times to use or sell electricity, understand the national grid and local distributors, and navigate various tariff structures and retailer plans. Participants ...

April 2025 newsletter is out!

By Maree Stuart posted 30 days ago
NSW Newsletter, April 2025 President’s Note: April is always a busy time, with public and school holidays and what sometimes feels like work squashed in between. In the NSW Branch Committee and Groups, we’ve been busy developing the budget for the Branch for 2025/2026. It’s always fun to think about what events and activities we can deliver to our community. If you would like to get involved more with planning and delivering our events in NSW, get in contact with the Branch at raci-nswcmt@raci.org.au and we can point you in the right direction! Make sure you tell us where your special interest lies so we can ensure you get ...

RACI Chemical Education Division Online Community Forum

By Dino Spagnoli posted 08-04-2025
RACI Chemical Education Division Community Forum Date: 2nd May 2025, 3pm AEST, 1pm AWST Duration: 1 hour Online via Zoom-link to be emailed to registered participants on 29th April 2025 The RACI Chemical Education Division will be holding a free online community forum to provide a platform to discuss important topics in chemical education. During the online forum there will be breakout rooms on the following topics: Chemical Education Division Projects and Future Work Secondary Education and Engagement between Schools and Universities First Year University Student Experience Generative Artificial ...

Grant funding from the Australian Government through Austrade’s Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) program to support the expansion of the International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ)

By Jenny Pham posted 03-04-2025
Grant funding from the Australian Government through Austrade’s Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) program to support the expansion of the International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) We’re delighted to announce that we have confirmation of grant funding from the Australian Government through Austrade’s Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) program to support the expansion of our International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ). The ICQ is Australia’s most popular chemistry quiz and one of the largest quizzes of its kind in the world. It is offered to students between years 7 – 12. RACI CEO, Mr. Shenal Basnayake stated that ‘This funding will allow ...

We have donated our First Scientists painting to Scienceworks Victoria

By Jenny Pham posted 24-03-2025
We’re delighted to have donated our First Scientists painting to Scienceworks Victoria We were delighted to donate a painting commissioned by the RACI ‘First Scientists’ to Scienceworks Museum in Victoria. Commissioned in 2022 and painted by Indigenous artist Steven Bekue, the painting depicts Mr. Bekue’s vision of our first nation peoples' integral relationship with the land and natural sciences. The painting will be on display for all visitors to enjoy. Pictured is RACI President, Prof. Amanda Ellis FRACI CChem at the official handover with Scienceworks staff being represented by Mr. Jonathan Shearer, General Manager; Ms. Phoebe Melvin, Public ...

REMINDER: IUPAC Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry

By Jenny Pham posted 20-03-2025
Dear Members, Reminder that the deadline for nominations for the IUPAC Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry is April 30. Self-nomination is allowed. For those wishing to nominate, please complete and submit the forms online: https://iupac.org/the-top-ten-emerging-technologies-in-chemistry-call-for-proposals-for-2025/ Thank you.

Share Your Chemistry Expertise – Join the ICQ 2026 Writing Team

By Hannah McCarthy posted 19-03-2025
Dear Members, The RACI is seeking expressions of interest for positions as question writers for the International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ). The ICQ (formerly the Australian National Chemistry Quiz (ANCQ)) has been operated by the RACI since 1982 and has a global audience with thousands of students from over 21 countries participating every year. For more information on the ICQ, please visit the official website. Position Overview Writers will be tasked with developing the content for a 30-question chemistry quiz, starting in June 2025. The allocated time for students to complete the quiz is 60 minutes. We aim to form four teams of writers, ...

Frontiers of Science is back in 2025!

By Maree Stuart posted 14-03-2025
Hello NSW members and friends The Frontiers of Science event is back again and is happening soon! Once again, we are heading to the Concord Golf Club, 190 Majors Bay Road Concord, for a night of stimulating presentations that will let you explore new areas where science, and science education are heading. Don't miss out on this excellent event, with speakers from Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Science Education. Our very own Dr Vipul Agarwal will be speaking about Polymers - a necessity and challenge. Other speakers are: Associate Professor Benjamin Pope, Macquarie University, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences - Imaging Planets around ...

RACI Member Survey 2025

By Jenny Pham posted 11-03-2025
RACI Member Survey 2025 Dear Members, We are pleased to announce the launch of our RACI Member Survey. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we want to hear from you. This is your chance to share your thoughts to help us improve and better serve our community. Why Participate? Voice Your Opinions: Your insights will directly influence our future initiatives and programs. Shape Our Community: Help us understand what matters most to you and how we can enhance your membership experience. How to Participate Check your email: Look for the email titled ‘RACI Member Survey 2025’ and select the link ...

NSW Branch March Newsletter

By Maree Stuart posted 06-03-2025
NSW Newsletter, March 2025 President’s Note I cannot believe that we are already in March! It has been a very busy start to the year for me and RACI events have been a part of that. Last week, I was excited to attend the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast event at UTS, organised by our stellar team in the Women in Chemistry Group. With the theme of “Accelerating Equity in Science”, it was a wonderful gathering of people with a common interest in Chemistry. We heard from four amazing women with various career journeys. Read more about this in the section on events below. I am also delighted to announce that the annual NSW Branch ...

The Bayliss Youth Lecture 2025: Exploring Chemistry, Sustainability, and Art

By Hannah McCarthy posted 26-02-2025
The Chemical Education Group of the WA Branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) is excited to announce the Bayliss Youth Lecture for 2025, a unique and engaging event for students, teachers, and anyone passionate about the intersection of science and art. This free lecture is specifically targeted at students in Year 10-12, teachers, parents, and members of the community with an interest in chemistry and sustainability. It offers an exciting opportunity to explore the role of chemistry in everyday life, especially in the pursuit of sustainable practices. This year, we are thrilled to have Helen Coleman , a PhD student, Curtinnovation ...

Complimentary "Century of Bonds" Book for Members

By Hannah McCarthy posted 25-02-2025
Dear Members, We are excited to offer you the opportunity to receive complimentary copies of the RACI’s ‘Century of Bonds’ book. Please note that you will be required to cover the shipping and handling fee, which will be calculated during checkout based on your location. All orders will be shipped at the end of March, and you will receive shipping updates once your order has been dispatched. Click here to pre-order your copy (or copies!) Kind regards, Hannah

Prof. Peter Kingshott Appointed RACI’s President-Elect: A Vision for Growth and Collaboration in the Chemical Sciences

By Hannah McCarthy posted 19-02-2025
Following a call for nominations, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Prof. Peter Kingshott as RACI’s incoming President-elect. Prof. Kingshott will serve two years as President-elect before moving into the role of President for a further two years. Prof. Kingshott is presently with Swinburne University where he heads The Polymer NanoInterface Engineering Group. Prof Kingshott has extensive leadership experience in Australia and overseas which he is eager to apply at the RACI. Prof. Kingshott’s v ision for RACI is centred around ‘increased growth and expansion of collaboration within the chemical sciences and other disciplines’ . He believes ...

Abstract submissions open for Natural Products in the Omics Era

By Jenny Pham posted 17-02-2025
The organisers of the symposium Natural Products in the ‘Omics Era ’ to be held at the upcoming Pacifichem 2025 would like to notify you that abstract submissions are now open. Please see Abstract Submission | Pacifichem 2025 to submit your abstract (closing 2 April 2025) and Registration | Pacifichem 2025 (registrations opening 18 February 2025). Both oral and poster presentations are available. Topics will include: • Advances in spectroscopic analysis with computational and bioinformatic approaches • New natural products with significant bioactivity, unique mechanisms of action, ...

Good Luck to Our 5 Teachers on Their Journey to Beijing for the ICQ Global Chemistry Educators Program!

By Hannah McCarthy posted 08-01-2025
🌟 Wishing Our 5 Teachers the Best of Luck in Beijing! 🌟 We're excited to send off 5 amazing educators as they embark on an unforgettable journey for the ICQ Global Chemistry Educators Program in Beijing next week! The program includes incredible opportunities like: ✨ A meet-and-greet with the Education Ministry at the Australian Embassy ✨ Exploring the Great Wall of China & the Forbidden City ✨ Visiting the Beijing Science Centre ✨ And, most importantly, leading workshops for close to 70 Year 7-10 students from across Asia! 🌍 A HUGE thank you to our ICQ Partner in Asia, ASDAN , for fully funding this incredible opportunity! 🙌 ...

Crystal Clear Fun: How to Grow Your Own Borax Ornaments in Just One Day (No Magic Required, Just Science!)

By Jenny Pham posted 19-12-2024
Image from KiwiCo Crystal Clear Fun: How to Grow Your Own Borax Ornaments in Just One Day (No Magic Required, Just Science!) As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking for engaging and educational activities to enjoy with our families. One such activity that combines science, creativity, and festive spirit is making borax crystal ornaments. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create these stunning ornaments, perfect for all ages from 3 to 16. Safety First Before we begin, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of safety when working with borax. Borax, or sodium tetraborate, is a naturally occurring mineral ...

Research Highlights of Chemistry in Australia December 2024 Issue

By Jenny Pham posted 05-12-2024
This section is in Chemistry in Australia magazine: Issue December 2024 Author: Joel Hooper MRACI Photoswitchable cages for catalysis Researchers from the University of New South Wales and the University of Edinburgh have developed the first example of photoswitchable catalysis within a self-assembled molecular cage, offering a new approach to controlling chemical reactions with visible light [...] [...] Researchers anticipate that this method could lead to the development of programmable multistep reactions using visible light to drive complex chemical transformations. Access the full Research ...