Youth Lecture Series

Across Australia, our secondary school chemistry National Youth Lecture series offers access to inspiring chemical scientists. These annual lectures cover diverse, engaging topics with the goal of igniting students' interest in pursuing a career in chemistry.

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, we extend these lectures to remote and regional communities, ensuring that every aspiring young mind has access to the inspiration and knowledge necessary to consider a future in the exciting realm of chemistry. Join us in creating a pathway for the next generation of scientific innovators through thought-provoking and captivating educational experiences.

SA: Stranks Memorial Lecture

These lectures commemorate Professor Donald Stranks AO who was Head of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Adelaide from 1964 to 1973, then Vice Chancellor from 1977 until his death in 1986. He was also Foundation Chair of the RACI Chemical Education Group in SA

The lectures are mostly aimed at chemistry students from year 11 and 12 and have SACE syllabus links. However, some recent topics have included more widely inspirational and educational content to engage year 9 and 10 students and the public.

Organised by the Chemical Education Group of the SA Branch, the first Stranks Memorial Lecture was held in 1991.

For further information and to arrange a lecture at your school please contact Robyn Pillans at robynpillans@gamil.com robynpillans@gmail.com

NSW: Nyholm Lecture

The Nyholm Lecture Series commemorates Sir Ronald S. Nyholm (1917-1971), Fellow of the Royal Society. An outstanding Australian researcher and passionate chemical educator, Sir Ronald's career was cut short at its peak in a tragic motor vehicle accident.

A feature of the Lectures is their practical content and interactive presentation style. The content will be approachable and suitable for Year 9 through to year 12 students although principally aimed at year 9 and 10 students.

For further information and to arrange a lecture at your school please contact the New South Wales Branch at raci-nswcmt@raci.org.au raci-nswcmt@raci.org.au

QLD: The O'Donnell Schools Lecture Series

The RACI Queensland Schools Lecture series was introduced in 1980 by the Chemical Education Group of the Qld Branch of the RACI. At that time the Education Group was headed by Professor Jim O’Donnell, the resident Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Queensland. Sadly, Jim passed away in 1995 and the Schools Lecture Series has been subsequently renamed for him. The Lecture is open to students in Grade 11 and 12 studying chemistry/science, & students in Junior Secondary interested in studying chemistry/science to Grade 12 may also attend.

For further information and to arrange a lecture at your school please contact the Queensland Branch at raci-qldcmt@raci.org.au raci-qldcmt@raci.org.au

TAS: Tasmanian RACI Lecture Series

The Tasmanian Branch organises, conducts and tours an annual youth lecture for upper primary to college age school students. The lecture is usually delivered during the September-October period at several locations around Tasmania including Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.

Lecturers may hail from inter or intrastate, and where possible themes involving colour, movement and/or sound (or some combination thereof) are targeted. A small fee is charged (per student) to attend each lecture.

For further information and to arrange a lecture at your school please contact the Tasmanian Branch at raci-tascmt@raci.org.au raci-tascmt@raci.org.au

VIC: The Hartung Youth Lectures

The Hartung Youth Lectures aim to inspire students in years 9-12 and are designed to be an engaging and educational experience, in the tradition of the lectures given by Professor Hartung over 50 years ago. Lectures are usually presented as part of National Science Week.

For further information and to arrange a lecture at your school please contact the VIC Branch at raci-viccmt@raci.org.au raci-viccmt@raci.org.au

WA: The Bayliss Youth Lecture Series

The Western Australian Branch of RACI established the Bayliss Youth Lecture Series in 1971 to pay tribute to the late emeritus professor Sir Noel Bayliss, Kt, CBE, FAA, FRACI for his contributions to chemistry and education – and to encourage in young people an interest in chemistry.

The lectures are given by inspirational chemistry speakers from academe and industry aimed at high school students from Year 9 and the general public. Recent topics have included forensic science, conservation and medicinal chemistry.

For further information and to arrange a lecture at your school please contact Nathan Curnow at Nathan.Curnow@education.wa.edu.au Nathan.Curnow@educations.wa.edu.au

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