News Archive

Chemical reaction: Christmas children's lecture on chemistry sells out in days – University of Reading

The University's much-loved Children's Christmas Lecture has proved as popular as ever this year with every single ticket being allocated in double-quick time. The lecture, 'Colourful Chemistry' by Professor Laurence Harwood, will introduce hundreds of local children to "vibrochemistry" – showing them how to tell the time through chemistry, how insects brighten up their love lives by getting the chemistry right and they may even see how to turn water into wine (strictly for the parents' information!)&ellipse;&ellipse; "Our Christmas Lectures always strike a chord with the local community, and this year has been exceptionally popular, with all the tickets now allocated just four days after being released," said the University's Alison Fabian, who organised the Lecture. "More than 400 tickets have been sent out and we have been inundated with requests. It just shows how popular chemistry is with youngsters and the level of local public interest in what we are doing here at the University." Every year, the lectures are presented so children can learn, in a fun and entertaining way, about some of the groundbreaking work going on at the University. This year, Professor Harwood, from the Department of Chemistry, will offer a light-hearted look at various chemical phenomena with a few explanations thrown in for good measure - not forgetting a good bit of green slime. Although tickets have now been allocated for this year's lecture (on December 21), members of the public are welcome to join the mailing list for next year's lecture. Please email Diana Arnold or telephone her on 0118 378 8408. Ends