Kingston University chemistry expert gives key annual lecture at Salters’ Institute

Dr Baljit Thatti, Head of Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kingston University, was invited to give this year’s Salters’ Institute’s prestigious annual lecture to esteemed guests including scholars from Haris Westminster Sixth Form and Christ’s Hospital School, policymakers and chemistry educators.

Dr Thatti delivered the lecture for the London-based educational charity, which works to create innovative programmes to promote chemistry and related sciences and supports teaching and learning of chemistry across the UK, at Grade II listed Salters’ Hall.

At the end of last year, Dr Thatti gave a successful lecture at the famous Royal Institution on chemistry’s role in solving crimes. Audience members from the Salters’ Institute were impressed with her passion to make chemistry accessible to all. They invited Dr Thatti to present the institute’s annual lecture, to invited guests including chemistry teachers, A-level students, employees from within the chemical industry, youth workers and those involved in policy work to advance chemical education.

Dr Thatti used the lecture to talk about how she applies analytical thinking into everything she does as a researcher and leader. She also delved into the real-world application of her chemistry research, which spans from materials used in medical applications to analysing cosmetics from crime scenes in forensic chemistry.

She also spoke about the importance of diversifying the talent pipeline in the chemical sciences community and how this will enable problem solving to be more effective and inclusive, as everyone approaches situations differently.

Dr Thatti recognised the value of being invited to give such important lectures to further help develop the chemistry sector. “Talks like these are so important to connect with policymakers and those that are involved in decision making, and they can lead to so many other benefits for Kingston University’s reputation and future collaborations.  This lecture is a case in point because, as a result of my talk, I have been invited to attend the Salters’ teachers conference looking at how A-Level Chemistry could be more relatable to everyday,” she said.

Sharing her feedback with Dr Thatti after the lecture, Chair of the Salters’ Institute of Industrial Chemistry Dame Mary Archer said she gave insight into how deeply analytical thinking is woven into everyday life. “Dr Thatti was truly engaging to a room of chemists, and non-chemists, young and not so young, alike. Exploring the intersection between chemistry, medicine, and forensics was fascinating and gave the audience a glimpse into your breadth of research. It was particularly inspiring to listen to her reflect on the ways in which she works to make STEM increasingly accessible to people from all backgrounds – a passion the Salters’ Institute also shares.”

• Find out more about studying Chemistry BSc (Hons)  or Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons) at Kingston University.