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York education experts win prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Award

York education experts win prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Award

Posted on 20 June 2016

The University of York’s Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC) has won the 2016 Royal Society of Chemistry Inspiration and Industry Award.

L-R: Gayle Pook and Joy Parvin, Directors of the Centre for Industry Education Collaboration

The award is given for the Centre’s outstanding achievements in promoting science, supporting teachers, and inspiring students to take up STEM careers.

Two of the team were presented with their award at a ceremony hosted by television personality Hugh Dennis, which formed part of Chemistry Means Business - a two-day event organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

They were chosen from a shortlist of three by a panel of senior scientists and executives from industry, and receive a cash prize of £2,000.

Joy Parvin, joint Director of the CIEC, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised for all our efforts linking schools with industry over the years.

“During our flagship primary schools programme - Children Challenging Industry, running from 1996 to 2016 - we have worked with more than 40,000 children and nearly 10,000 teachers from 1,550 schools, and 124 companies. We of course carry out other initiatives with smaller numbers than this, but we have influenced huge numbers of teachers and pupils to ensure they have a balanced view of science, industry and related careers.”

Professor Duncan Bruce, Head of York’s Department of Chemistry, said: “I am delighted to see our colleagues in CIEC receive this award. For many years they have been promoting science in general, and chemistry in particular, to young people in close collaboration with both industry and teachers. It is wonderful that their hard work, dedication and vision is recognised in this way.”

Dr Robert Parker, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “It is an honour to recognise the illustrious achievements of our prize and award winners in our 175th anniversary year.

“We were founded in 1841 by a group of academics, industrialists and doctors who understood the power of the chemical sciences to change our world for the better. Our winners share that vision and are advancing excellence in their fields, whether through innovative research or inspirational teaching and outreach.

“We are proud to celebrate and support the work of inspiring and influential individuals, whose work has the potential to improve so many lives.”

Further information:

For more information about theUniversity of York’s Centre for Industry Education Collaboration, visit: http://www.ciec.org.uk/
Royal Society of Chemistry is theoldest chemical society in the world. With over 50,000 members, they are the UK’s professional body for chemical scientists. For further information, visit: http://www.rsc.org/
Chemistry Means Business is a flagship event for the chemistry-using industry, uniting SMEs, multinational organisations, investors and academic entrepreneurs from across the UK and Europe. For more information, visit: http://www.rsc.org/events/detail/20567/chemistry-means-business-2016
Industry and Technology Awards recognise talented teams and individuals across the chemistry-using industry. These awards are part of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s main Prizes and Awards portfolio, which comprises over 80 Prizes and Awards covering all areas of the chemical sciences. For more information, and a full list of winners, visit : http://www.rsc.org/awards-funding/awards/industry-technology-awards