New Podcast Aims to Break Down the World of Chemistry

30 Aug 2021

A new University College Cork (UCC) podcast – The Periodic Table of People – aims to break down the world of chemistry, so that students seeking to study or work in this wonderful field can learn more about science.

The main aim of studying chemistry is to understand the chemistry itself; however, all too often, outside of the science and next steps are left out. The Periodic Table of People aims to fill this gap and illustrate the extensive career and study options available. 

The podcast, funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry Outreach Fund, will detail chemistry in universities around Ireland and the UK. Tips and tricks for effective study and choosing the right study environment will be shared, and interviews with experienced chemists will offer advice on selecting the course most suited to students' specific needs. For undergraduate students looking to continue their studies, season 1 will explore various areas for chemistry research. Season 2 will focus on diversity in chemistry and allow students to enter the workforce to explore possible career options. 

The podcast is the brainchild of UCC PhD researcher, Niamh O'Mahoney who said;

"Chemistry has never been so topical in mainstream media with endless discussion on the COVID-19 vaccine over the past year. I realised we need to harness this new awareness of the field and make knowledge of careers in chemistry accessible to everyone in a free and interactive manner. When outreach activities were halted due to COVID restrictions, I felt it was important to allow students to get all the information they needed to make the right decision.

"Usually, students ask endless questions regarding courses and modules during in-person interactions. The lack of these interactions meant students were left with a gap of knowledge that this podcast can fill. A diverse group of people have been selected to participate in the project, including people of different genders, ethnic backgrounds, disability statuses and career paths. The varied guests included in the podcast will ensure a broad picture of the chemical environment and, in turn answering the question 'what makes a chemist'," she said. 

You can listen to The Periodic Table of People on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.