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 scholarship recipient, and an experienced researcher and artist, as our guest speaker. Helen’s presentation, titled "Plants Worth Dyeing For: Backyard Chemistry for Natural Dyers," will explore how chemistry is helping to meet the growing demand for sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic dyes.
What Will Helen Discuss?
Helen’s talk will dive deep into the chemistry behind natural dyeing. She will share her research on how plants can be tested for their dyeing potential and the longevity of the colours they produce. But this isn’t just about science—it’s about art too. Helen will take the audience into the world of dyeing with tannin from local plants and will also share her fascinating research on natural dyes from Corymbia calophylla, commonly known as Marri gum.
This talk will provide an inspiring look at how chemistry can enhance the art of dyeing, creating environmentally friendly alternatives to the often-toxic synthetic dyes used in industries like fashion. Helen will highlight the important role science plays not just in the lab but also in the art studio, making this talk relevant to students and teachers in fields as diverse as chemistry, art, design, and sustainability.
Why Should You Attend?
This year’s Bayliss Youth Lecture isn’t just for students interested in chemistry—it will appeal to anyone with an interest in how science is shaping our world, from fashion and technology to environmental sustainability. The talk will show how chemistry is integrated into art forms like fashion design and the dyeing process, offering a unique perspective for students studying Arts, Technologies, or anyone concerned with the planet’s future.
It’s an excellent opportunity for students to see how the skills and knowledge they’re gaining in the classroom can apply to real-world problems and creative pursuits. The lecture is also a great chance for teachers to gain insights into how they can incorporate sustainability and chemistry into their own teaching practices.
Event Details & Registration
We are hosting the Bayliss Youth Lecture at three different locations, so you can choose the one that best fits your schedule. Here are the dates and locations for 2025:
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Curtin University (April Chemraderie) – 6:00 PM, Wednesday, 9 April 2025
Register Here
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ECU Joondalup Campus – 7:00 PM, Friday, 9 May 2025
Register Here
Want the Bayliss Lecture at Your School?
The Bayliss Youth Lecture can also be presented at schools from Term 2 through Term 4 by request. This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to bring a highly engaging, educational talk directly to their students. To organize a visit for the Bayliss Youth Lecture at your school, please contact Nathan Curnow, Chair of the WA Chemical Education Group, at nathan.curnow@education.wa.edu.au to explore possible dates.
More Information
For any additional inquiries or questions about the Bayliss Youth Lecture, please feel free to reach out to Nathan Curnow at nathan.curnow@education.wa.edu.au.
We encourage you to share this information with colleagues, students, and anyone who might benefit from this inspiring and informative lecture. Whether you’re a student of science, art, or both, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
We look forward to seeing you there and hope to inspire the next generation of scientists, artists, and sustainability advocates! 🌿🎨
Thanks to Rowe Scientific and ChemCentre for supporting this program.