How would you describe the nature of the team in a single sentence?
A dynamic, responsive and innovative team working collaboratively with schools, charities and STEM industries, focused acutely on improving science learning for young people.
Take the time 鈥� it often seems like there isn鈥檛 time to blow your own trumpet and humility can get in the way. It鈥檚 so important to invest in nominations such as the RSC Education prize as it affirms the great work the team are doing in a vivid way, from a prestigious organisation. This is great for people鈥檚 career progression, retention and recognition, and something that we should see as an integral part of the way we motivate and engage people within and towards our initiatives.
How did you first become interested in chemistry or science?
From my earliest memories, out in the garden and talking to my parents who were in science careers. (Lynne Bianchi)
As a primary teacher, teaching and enjoying it myself so I can then teach the pupils. (Kulvinder Johal)
As a young child I made potions on the bathroom floor, mixing rose petals, shampoo, lotions and more, just to see what would happen! (Jo Montgomery)
In secondary school, with a teacher called Mr Sellars who was just so inspirational 鈥� although I certainly wasn't a bright spark in the class, but he was just so encouraging. I then went to work for ICI Plant Protection/Agrochemicals. (Jane Banham)
My mum is a chemistry teacher and I used to read the student's work and be fascinated by the practical investigations they were describing in their books. (Steph Hepworth)
Having not enjoyed science at school, my love for science was ignited during my PGCE year. I was inspired by the tutors and when I began teaching science on my placement, I saw how much the pupils enjoyed the subject. (Grace Marson)
Who or what inspires you?
My mum inspires me. She is that voice telling me to try hard, do my best, keep going, be that role model, be strong. (Kulvinder Johal)
Children's questions and ideas are what inspires me. (Lynne Bianchi)
I'm inspired by the natural world and the interconnectedness of nature. I love to observe nature and apply this idea of connection to my everyday life. Nothing exists in a vacuum. (Steph Hepworth)
Seeing the enthusiasm of my pupils as they grasp new ideas. (Jane Banham)
What motivates you?
I am motivated to help teachers feel supported and more confident in the teaching of science as ultimately this has impact on their pupils. I believe that every pupil deserves high quality teaching. (Grace Marson)
Pupils, my class. The children have always been my motivation. To support, to nurture, to help, to guide them to be the best version of themselves. They didn鈥檛 have a lot, they don鈥檛 have a lot, so what we can do is the change, the big impact for them, and that has been super important to me. (Kulvinder Johal)
Encouraging the pupils in my class to enjoy the science they do and also the teachers I train and support. (Jane Banham)
Life... we have every day to do something good with... why not just grab it and go! (Lynne Bianchi)
Feeling like I am making a positive contribution and enabling others. Working with others and making connections. (Steph Hepworth)
What are the qualities that make your team special?
We are all on the same mission! We have clear core values for GSSfS and the whole team feel strongly about these. We understand the difference we can make to a large number of teachers. (Grace Marson)
Shared goals and understanding. We work remotely so we hardly meet in person but we respect each other, support each other and know we are working as one team. (Kulvinder Johal)
Our vast range of education experiences and willingness to share, discuss and inspire each other. (Jane Banham)
Creativity, pragmatism and relentless ambition to make a difference. (Lynne Bianchi)
Communication, shared vision and ambition, ability to accept both success and failure. (Steph Hepworth)
What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?
Go for it! Speak to students studying chemistry and reach out to those who have made chemistry a career. (Grace Marson)
Go for it 鈥� look out for allies, support and role models along the way. You will find a way. The RSC is a great place to find that support. (Kulvinder Johal)
Look for the huge range of opportunities open to you. (Jane Banham)
If you feel like it's something that will get you out of bed in the morning 鈥� go for it! It's a great subject that facilitates so many other options. (Lynne Bianchi)
To think about what they enjoy and what makes them get up in the morning. They can then plan a career that combines their passion with a role that suits them in other ways too, for example working alone or in a team, travel, being outside, communicating, bringing disciplines together, working on a computer or being hands-on. (Steph Hepworth)
Can you tell us about a scientific development on the horizon that you are excited about?
I'm excited about our PSTT Priority area work, as we will be collecting data soon to see what impact year one has had. (Kulvinder Johal)
A herbicide to kill black grass in cereal crops and, more personally, medicines to cure/prevent breast cancer. (Jane Banham)
The improvements in technology to support T1 diabetics to live with ease. (Lynne Bianchi)
AI 鈥� this can help us to cut down on some routine but time-consuming tasks, also for analysis and dealing with large amounts of information. (Steph Hepworth)
Why is chemistry important?
Chemistry is important because it speaks to our senses and ignites them. (Kulvinder Johal)
It is the core of everything. (Jane Banham)
It's the underpinning key to life. (Lynne Bianchi)
