Patrick Walter
I came to science via making mini traffic lights, measuring the speed of falling sycamore seeds and brewing fine ‘perfumes’ from whatever could be dug up from the garden. These unorthodox projects eventually led to a course studying biochemistry at Bristol to indulge my interest in science. Here I found that I had more of a flair for writing about science than actually doing it, after some spectacularly unsuccessful afternoon practicals!
After stints working on science journals, writing for society newsletters and editing and writing jobs with the magazine Chemistry & Industry I joined Chemistry World. Writing for the magazine has given me a wonderful opportunity to meet childhood heroes and some of the best scientists in the world. Telling the world about their work is not only great fun, but also matters. A scientifically literate public and body politic is vital if we expect evidence to play a greater role in policy-making.
OpinionElectric avenue
Western carmakers need to seize the initiative on cleaner vehicles or risk being left behind
OpinionRebels with a cause
The student debt genie is out of the bottle after putting in an unexpected appearance at the UK elections
OpinionCross-party consensus on funding science at last
Whoever wins the UK election science will benefit with promises to double R&D spending
NewsThe great beauty of chemistry
Heritage science is growing fast and Rocco Mazzeo wants more chemists to chip in
NewsNottingham green labs rise from ashes
Innovative low carbon labs rebuilt after fire destroyed them mid-construction
OpinionTaking the nuclear option
If the UK is to leave Euratom then it needs to quickly take advice from the community
OpinionCount your blessings
With major funding cuts averted, UK chemists prepare to take on some of the world’s biggest challenges
- Opinion
Store with care
Chemists need to get their own house (or lab cupboard) in order and new electronic inventories are just the ticket
- Opinion
Speaking truth to power
Academic freedom is a cornerstone of society that needs protection from governments that seek to silence freethinkers
OpinionA new source of helium is good news for science
Success prospecting for helium shouldn’t halt efforts to conserve and recover this vital scientific resource
OpinionWe need a global plan to beat resistance
We all need to do our bit and act for the common good if we’re going to protect antibiotics
OpinionA chemistry renaissance
There’s welcome evidence of a resurgence of interest in chemistry in the UK
OpinionPlastic not so fantastic
The world has a big problem with small plastics and the time to act is now
OpinionA nanocarbon revolution
Twenty years on from the Nobel prize for fullerenes chemists pay tribute to the field Harry Kroto helped to launch
OpinionAn unsettling forecast
Uncertainty makes for a poor bedfellow when it comes to the scientific enterprise
- News
Funding confirmed for another 19 doctoral centres
Extra centres will provide industrial training for a further 900 postgraduates
- News
Chemist to be next president of US science organisation
Geraldine Richmond, a chemistry professor at the University of Oregon, will head the American Association for the Advancement of Science
