The OCCB successfully co-hosted a talk with the IoP and RSC by Professor Dermot O’Hare on the topic of ‘Chemistry for a Sustainable Society’ on 11 April at Face Bar. Professor O’Hare, Professor of Chemistry at Oxford, is also vice-master of Balliol College, Oxford. The lecture was the latest in the series of “Understanding Science” lectures, and, given the Oxbridge connection, the organisers were pleased to collaborate with OCCB to co-host the event. The event was extremely well attended – seats were at a premium as over 75 people packed into one of Face Bar’s ambient halls on a cool Thursday evening. 

Professor O’Hare’s thought-provoking talk was very well received by the audience. He spoke informatively on the importance of harnessing Chemistry to pursue sustainable development. The presentation touched upon how research into energy efficiency and renewable resources will enable us to develop usable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Professor O’Hare also discussed some of the challenges that so-called “Green Chemistry” faces, and this instigated a vigorous debate during a lengthy and engaging Q&A session after the talk. Those present then sauntered across the hallway to add a dash of their favourite chemical concoction to the discussions.More photos of the evening are available here.