News 2025
School of Chemistry alumnus releases book on the portrayal of chemistry in media
Congratulations to UCC Chemistry alumnus (BSc, PhD) John O’Donoghue, now working in the School of Chemistry at TCD, on the recent publication of his book Onscreen chemistry: The portrayal of chemical science in film and TV.
From Transylvania and Chernobyl to colourful glassware and narcotics, explore the fascinating world of the big and small screen through a chemist’s eye as cinema and television are passed under the microscope. Discover the real-life chemistry that inspires the art, and the impact entertainment can have on our perception of chemistry in the real-world. Delve into the depths of this intertwining story as art imitates life and investigate the role chemistry has played in the history of moving pictures.
Onscreen Chemistry tells the story of chemistry in the movies and on TV, from the very beginning of photography in the 19th century, right up to modern times. For the first time, the entire history of chemistry in moving pictures is explored and condensed into a narrative format for easy reading. The resulting story takes an exciting and ever-changing journey, from the gothic horror of Frankenstein (1931) to the fun and inventive Monkey Business (1952), to the industrial accidents in Silkwood (1983), to the chemistry classroom of October Sky (1999) and into space with the Martian (2015).
Onscreen Chemistry also investigates the portrayal of chemists over time. Are chemists always portrayed as relentless in their quest, like Sidney Stratton (Alec Guinness) creating a bright, stain proof, nigh-on Indestructible fabric in The Man in the White Suit (1951)? Is there any real-world basis for Emma Russell’s (Elisabeth Shue) formula for cold fusion in The Saint (1997). Are the dangers and risks of forever chemicals accurately portrayed in Dark Waters (2019)? What does Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) teach us about cooking and baking through her Lessons in Chemistry (2023)? And, of course, did Walter White’s (Bryan Cranston) switch from teaching to narcotics in Breaking Bad (2007-2013) influence the real-world image of chemistry?
Delve into the depths of this intertwining and ever-evolving story as art imitates life and investigate the role that chemistry has played in the history of moving pictures. Hear about the fictional and real-life chemists who have graced the silver screen and the small screen, as John searches for the origins of the ‘mad scientist’ image. Onscreen Chemistry also uncovers the good, the bad and the ugly, while exploring the unique duality of chemistry with movies like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Recently, chemistry in film and TV has seen a welcome revival with new, diverse and positive representations through the excellent Lessons in Chemistry (2023) and Elemental (2023). Is this beginning of a new golden age for onscreen chemistry?
Chemistry World Promotion Article about the Image of Scientists (Feb 2025):
https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/exploring-the-on-screen-image-of-chemists/4020783.article
Author :
Dr John O’Donoghue is an award-winning science communicator and chemistry education researcher based at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland where he coordinates the science communication training for PhD students. John also works closely with the Royal Society of Chemistry where he has developed several popular resources for schools and provides professional development for science teachers. John regularly appears on radio to discuss scientific discoveries and has acted as a chemistry consultant for television productions. A lifelong movie buff, John’s new book combines his love of the silver screen with his professional background.