ESD Show & Tell: Rethinking Chemistry Education for Sustainability

Dr. Vicky Hilborne, a member of UCL’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Steering Group, will set the scene by outlining how UCL Chemistry is strategically reviewing its curriculum to embed ESD into formal teaching.

Dr. David Palomas will present his Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach in the MSc in Sustainable Chemistry, where students form startup companies to design sustainable alternatives to fossil-fuel-based chemical industry processes. This innovative approach simulates real industry settings, with lead academics acting as CEOs or CSOs, PGTAs as Project Managers, and students assuming roles inspired by actual job postings, such as Research Scientist, Sustainability Officer, and Patent Attorney.

Dr. Liz Munday will share insights into solvent recycling initiatives in teaching labs, highlighting efforts to shift solvent use culture and engage students and incorporate pedagogical research. This work was carried out alongside Claire Gacki and Martyn Towner, who have played a key role in implementing these sustainability efforts.

Attendance Information
UCL students and staff are welcome. Please bring your UCL card to attend.