Paul Board
Paul Board is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a committed cruciverbalist. As a 13 year-old, when Ilminster Boys’ Grammar School was about to close after over 400 years, like other pupils he was allowed to take a couple of mementoes home. He chose a pair of boxing gloves and a Liebig Condenser. He never took up boxing, but he did graduate in chemistry at the University of Leeds in 1980 and has enjoyed a career in chemistry, including food analysis, environmental science and geochemistry both in the UK and overseas.
Paul has been writing quizzes and crosswords for Chemistry World since 2009. His book Elementary!: Puzzles for the Chemically Curious and the Periodically Perplexed is available to order on the Royal Society of Chemistry’s website.
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PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #110
‘Manage to oddly ignore arguing (3)’ by distracting yourself with this cryptic crossword
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #109
‘Right away, ensure to proceed (5)’ to complete this cryptic chemistry crossword
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #108
’Maybe introduce addition of electrons (9)’ while completing this cryptic chemistry crossword
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #106
‘Fool around with Dot and Kiki even (5)’ while you complete this cryptic, chemistry-themed crossword
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #105
You might ’get hint about contract (7)’, but you’ll get no tips about this cryptic chemistry crossword
PuzzleQuick chemistry crossword #099 - Lab Innovations 2025 special
Look ahead to this year’s Lab Innovations event with a bumper quick crossword.
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #104
You might need to ’Learn about silly glue (5, 5)’ to complete this cryptic crossword
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #103
Take some time to solve this crossword before you ’start preparing her introductory letter (3)’
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #102
While completing this puzzle, perhaps you would enjoy some ’cheese made to order (4)’?
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #101
Ruminate about extremely tense stage (7) while you complete this cryptic chemistry crossword
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #100
Order shiny peas? Very difficult! (9) – are you up to the challenge of this cryptic crossword?
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #099
A little gammon may be damaging (4), but this cryptic chemistry crossword can’t hurt you
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #098
Lay aside leathery liquid (5) and spend some time on this cryptic crossword
PuzzleQuick chemistry crossword #098
From a mission to Saturn’s moons to a marine mollusc, this quick chemistry crossword will test your knowledge
PuzzleCryptic chemistry crossword #097
Stretch some winning sides (7) and see if you can complete this week’s cryptic chemistry crossword
PuzzleQuick chemistry crossword #097
This quick chemistry crossword condenses clouds of ions, a dash of Queen Anne’s lace, and a liqueur-laced current into one electrifying challenge.
CareersHow I became the crossword compiler for Chemistry World
Paul Board has been setting Chemistry World’s crosswords for over 15 years. To celebrate the centenary of the (fully) cryptic crossword, he explains his crossword setting process and dissects some of his favourite science-based clues
