New Zealand Institute of Chemistry outreach

Several New Zealand Institute of Chemistry members have been busy producing some great outreach during these challenging times.

Associate Professor and NZIC President Sarah Masters, and Associate Professor Sally Gaw both did talks for University of Canterbury Science Radio (see episode 2 and episode 5).

• Structural chemist Associate Professor Sarah Masters, from the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, talked about her work as a 'molecular detective': she investigates how molecules behave, what they do, and how we can use them to create everything from new technologies and materials to life-saving vaccines. (Episode 2).
• Lightweight, strong, waterproof – plastic is a wonder material, but it’s not so wonderful for nature. Environmental chemist Dr Sally Gaw explained what plastic is doing to our environment, where it’s ending up, and how we can fix the problem (Episode 5).

Professor Allan Blackman (AUT) has started a YouTube channel containing videos which explain important concepts in First Year Chemistry. 

Stuart Cantrill (Chief Editor, Nature Chemistry), presented a Zoom talk for NZIC members on 26 May, taking a behind-the-scenes look at Nature Chemistry’s editorial processes, as well as providing some guidance on how to write a paper, how to write an abstract and some DOs and DON'Ts when it comes to titles and graphical abstracts. He also provided some advice on how best to appeal an editorial decision. In addition, there was a broader consideration of peer review in general, the wider chemistry publishing landscape and also other aspects related to scientific publishing including metrics (impact factor, altmetrics, and so on) and the use of social media. The zoominar was well-attended, with about 70 members joining the talk.