Victoria Atkinson
Following on from two generations of chemists, perhaps my choice to pursue the same path was inevitable. My childhood was full of home experiments, from the classic bicarb volcano to growing copper sulphate crystals on the window ledge!
I studied chemistry at the University of Oxford and completed my fourth-year master’s project working on catalytic methodology with Darren Dixon (which excitingly led to my first publication). Having caught the research bug, I decided to continue on to do a PhD, this time joining Jeremy Robertson to work on a total synthesis project, employing enzymatic methodology to produce agrochemical products.
Towards the end of my PhD, I found that I was enjoying talking about science much more than actually doing it and I became heavily involved in science outreach. Here I could share my enthusiasm for science with younger students through practical workshops and school visits, something which I always found very fulfilling. Later, I focused on developing new outreach material and have since made the transition to science journalism.
ResearchUpdated Appel reaction finally fluorinates alcohols
Simple reaction allows access to wide range of fluorinated molecules, without using hazardous hydrogen fluoride
NewsThe genius narrative isn’t inspiring – science biographies for children may send a demotivating message
Analysis of over 400 children’s books finds ideas around early interest in science and innate ability could turn young readers away from science
ResearchUnexpected cyclisation provides easy access to elusive tetra-substituted THFs
A mix-and-match approach to substituted heterocycles
ResearchMicrodroplet chemistry enables catalyst-free skeletal editing
Hydroxyl radicals power transformation of aniline into pyridine
ResearchMolecular labels streamline high throughput mass spec analysis by rapidly ranking reactions
Electrophilicity at heart of technique that overcomes key bottleneck to speed sample evaluation over 60 times
ResearchRepurposed anticancer agent becomes sound-activated antibacterial drug candidate
Compound offer resistance-free treatment for deep-tissue infections
FeatureWool’s complex chemistry unlocks sustainable applications beyond textiles
Once the cornerstone of industrial wealth, wool has struggled against synthetic fibres for decades. Now, its versatile protein structure, featuring keratin helices and sulfur-rich crosslinks, is inspiring innovative applications beyond traditional textiles.
CareersSustainable laboratories: Reducing plastics
When to reuse plastic pipette tips and how to overcome psychological barriers to recyling single-use items
CareersSustainable laboratories: Reducing water
How to adapt water cooling for water-stressed regions and investigate the carbon footprint of different circulation options
CareersSustainable laboratories: Reducing energy
How to identify an efficient heating mechanism and implement energy-saving measures across the lab
CareersSustainable laboratories: Cleaner solvents and substrates
How to identify greener replacements for DMF and recover ITO from glass substrates
CareersSustainable laboratories: Recovering metals
How to scavenge platinum group metals from laboratory waste
CareersSustainable laboratories: Best lab practice
How to encourage better environmental practices across a department and influence the next generation of researchers
ResearchInside-out peptides are part of a new class of isomerism
Could an overlooked conformational contortion invalidate existing drug patents?
ResearchModified nitrile rubber gets new lease of life as carbon capture material
Two teams are exploring scaling up processes that could tackle the 800,000 tonnes of glove waste created every year
ResearchUnconventional catalyst support promotes record green methanol synthesis from carbon dioxide
Homing in on a specific crystal structure for the support can boost activity by 70%
NewsNational scientific organisations consistently underrepresent women within their membership
Change is happening slowly but institutional processes continue to stymie the progression of women
ResearchMixed-material microrobots created from 3D-printed templates
Precision and flexibility combined in alternative nano fabrication approach
FeatureNew separation methods aim to improve global rare earth supply
Rare earth elements are essential for modern technology, but their similar chemistry makes separation difficult and expensive. Now researchers are exploring new technologies to streamline processing and bring down costs.
ResearchBall-milled sodium provides easy access to organometallic reagent
Solvent-free organosodium is a promising alternative to lithium reagents