Rachel Brazil
Rachel has been a freelance science writer for almost a decade.
Based in London, she writes for a variety of publications on scientific areas, including chemistry, materials science, biomedical and pharmaceutical science, and science and innovation policy.
Prior to this, she worked in a number of scientific organizations, including the RSC, the Royal Institution and the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (Nesta). From 2006–2010 she ran Nesta's national researcher development programme, Crucible. Focused on encouraging creativity and stimulating interdisciplinary encounters between early career researchers, Crucible has now been adopted by a number of UK Universities.
Rachel herself has an interdisciplinary academic background, with degrees in chemistry and a PhD in archaeological conservation. She is also a trainer for the British Council’s Researcher Connect programme, teaching in China, Russia and Mexico.
FeatureAnalysing a chemist’s wish-list
Analytical techniques have come a long way, but what does the future hold? Rachel Brazil asks the experts what they’d like to see
CareersWill open science change chemistry?
While more researchers are adopting open access, open data, open peer review and open projects, some significant barriers are hindering progress
FeatureThe GLP-1 weight loss revolution
Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist drugs, such as semaglutide, could save countless lives at risk due to diabetes and obesity. Rachel Brazil looks at the difficulties in making the peptides themselves, and what’s coming next
CareersFrom baby boomers to gen Z, how do different generations approach chemistry?
Are differences in attitudes and training affecting science?
FeatureSparking industry’s interest in electrosynthesis
Using electrons instead of reagents offers many potential benefits, but there are still barriers to overcome, as Rachel Brazil reports
CareersHow Rainbow Lo is accelerating innovation
Impatient for change, she joined Paris-based sustainable ‘deep tech’ agency Hello Tomorrow
NewsExplainer: what is tear gas?
Accusations of the use of tear gas as a weapon of war in Ukraine have put these agents in the spotlight once more
FeatureConserving Barbie from degradation
Although she is a cultural icon, conserving Barbie has its challenges: as with most plastic toys and dolls, she was not made to last. Rachel Brazil investigates how conservation scientists are approaching this sticky problem
FeatureMore than a mirror-image: left-handed nucleic acids
Now a biological reality, researchers are starting to figure out the many roles of left-handed nucleic acids such as Z-DNA – from immunity to controlling our genetics. Rachel Brazil reports
FeatureThe perchlorate Martian mystery
Rachel Brazil looks at how the compounds might have formed on our neighbouring planet and whether they could be useful for future exploration
FeatureAre hair relaxers damaging to health?
Different chemistries have been designed to turn curly hair straight, but in all cases questions remain about their safety, finds Rachel Brazil
CareersGiving technicians the recognition they deserve
Schemes such as the Technician Commitment are starting to address problems with authorship and career development
FeatureThe long-term energy storage challenge
In a renewably powered future, how will the grid cope when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing? Rachel Brazil looks at the options
FeatureThe messy chemistry that led to life
To understand how chemistry became biology, some chemists are eschewing simple reactions to study complex systems with many reactants and products. Rachel Brazil peers through the tangle
CareersAdvising on science policy at the House of Commons Library
Xameerah Malik helps MPs to navigate the science that influences policy
ResearchResidues from embalming vessels cast new light on ancient Egyptian mummification
Chemists reveal the compounds and sources of embalming treatments
CareersThe importance of mentoring networks for female scientists
Networks for female chemists are providing the missing mentorship that many hope will help women flourish in chemistry careers
FeatureUnwrapping ancient Egyptian chemistry
From mummification to metallurgy, Rachel Brazil looks at the impressive chemistry used by this ancient civilisation
CareersWork or study… or work and study?
How employers are helping employees to gain new qualifications, including PhDs
CareersBaking to perfection, with a pinch of chemistry
Katarina Cermelj’s training in synthesis informs how she develops new gluten-free recipes