School of Chemistry
100 not out for Chemistry at Leicester
The year 2025 marks a remarkable milestone: the centenary of the School of Chemistry at the University of Leicester. Over the past century, Leicester Chemistry has grown from modest beginnings into an internationally recognised centre for teaching and research.
The foundations of the Chemistry Department were laid by Dr Louis Hunter, our first lecturer, who transformed sections of the old County Asylum into makeshift laboratories. Despite limited resources, the enthusiasm for Chemistry was palpable, with over 100 students applying in those early years. The department quickly gained momentum, attracting talented researchers and expanding its facilities.
Over the decades, Chemistry at Leicester flourished, keeping pace with the rapid evolution of the field. The 1960s saw the introduction of modern spectroscopy techniques, while the 1980s and 1990s witnessed significant advances in materials chemistry and catalysis. The turn of the 21st century brought further expansion, with new research centres and collaborations reinforcing Leicester's reputation as a hub of scientific innovation.
As we celebrate 100 years of Chemistry at Leicester, we recognise the dedication of the staff, students, and researchers who have shaped our department. Their contributions have ensured that Chemistry at Leicester remains at the forefront of discovery, preparing the next generation of scientists for the challenges of the future.
Leicester Chemistry's formula for success was celebrated in a spectacular event bringing together current and former staff and students. Visitors and their families were treated to a varied programme of demonstrations by graduate students showcasing their world-leading research, and Josh Smalley's innovative Science Kitchen. The importance of highly-skilled technical staff to modern scientific research was highlighted by Gayle Price, one of the leading scientific glassblowers in the UK, who collaborates closely with research and teaching teams throughout the university. A particular highlight of the day was a talk from one of our most distinguished alumni, Professor Peter W. Atkins (BSc Chemistry, 1961), renowned worldwide for his contributions to physical chemistry and his widely used textbooks. Professor Atkins's work has shaped the education of generations of chemists, exemplifying the enduring influence of Chemistry at Leicester.
It is a proud time to be the Head of College of Science and Engineering, celebrating the centenary of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Leicester. Chemistry and Physics have contributed significantly to our institution’s history of scientific exploration and innovation.