Kit Chapman
I'm a freelance science journalist based in Huntingdon, UK. My main focus is the strange and amazing world of science history, with a particular interest in element discovery. I'm also interested in medicine and diversity in science.
I am a former comment editor at Chemistry World, and have also written for Nature, New Scientist, BBC Science Focus, the Pharmaceutical Journal and Chemist+Druggist, among others. My first book, Superheavy, was published by Bloomsbury Sigma in June 2019.
I hold a masters degree in pharmacy from the University of Bradford, and am a regular speaker and science communicator to groups of all ages around the world.
ResearchSuperheavy oganesson is a semiconductor
The heaviest element known continues to defy the rules of the periodic table
ResearchIonisation energy of promethium fills one of the last holes in periodic table
Experiment puts an end to 75-year-old mystery
OpinionFraser Stoddart: 'Even when I'm sleeping, I average 40mph'
On rotaxanes, travel and his love of Edinburgh
FeatureVictor Ninov and the element that never was
20 years on, Kit Chapman investigates how a scientific scandal unfolded
OpinionCathleen Crudden: 'I played clarinet for the Pope'
The catalysis maven on hair metal, literature and Big Science
SponsoredHow possible contaminants are investigated
The analytical stages when a suspected issue is found in a product
OpinionOmar Yaghi: 'MOFs are the most beautiful compounds ever made'
Omar Yaghi on why chemistry is his hobby
PodcastLevothyroxine
Kit Chapman investigates the drug that has been one of the top five prescription medications in the UK every year for the last two decades
OpinionWhat elements are on your bucket list?
Why chemists want to work with everything on the periodic table
CareersWhat’s going on in West Yorkshire
The heart of the Northern Powerhouse has a strong chemical industry
Opinion'It blows my mind I get to use these facilities'
Element discoverer Dawn Shaughnessy on big science, future generations and Star Wars
OpinionCan your hobbies make you a better chemist?
Researchers suggest arts and crafts should be integrated into learning science
ReviewExhibition: Celebrating the Periodic Table
A new exhibition at Cambridge University pays tribute to the chemical elements and their discoverers
PodcastPolyethylene glycol or PEG
The simple polymer that preserves and protects ancient artifacts, and saved a historical Swedish shipwreck from complete collapse
Opinion'God gave Linus Pauling to chemistry'
CNR Rao on inspiration, Indian chemistry and Benedict Cumberbatch
OpinionHave we solved chemistry?
A new book suggests chemistry is over 90% ‘complete’ – and that could be a good thing
CareersIs there a future for chemists in São Paulo?
Brazil’s largest city has opportunities as well as risks for scientists
OpinionSo, your colleague said something racist...
James Watson’s lab mates should not be blamed for his offensive views