Networks

EYCN Podcast – Chemistry to your ears

You want to hear something about the latest chemistry research while walking the dog, washing the dishes, or doing your laundry? We have got you covered! Late last year, the European Young Chemists’ Network (EYCN) started a new science podcast to present current research topics in chemistry and related sciences to a general audience.

With this podcast, the EYCN wants to make current chemical research more accessible and demystify currently discussed science topics in the news. The target audience is not only chemists who want to explore topics beyond their own research, but also science-interested people in the general public.

Each episode focuses on a highly discussed field or a research topic. The EYCN gives a short introduction and interviews an expert in the field. Furthermore, these interviews are highlighting some of the most interesting stories in chemical research in the last month.

In the very first episode, the EYCN interviewed Professor Victor Mougel in an episode about the increasingly more popular field of the CO2 reduction. He explained the principal issues and goals in the current research, and the various approaches of different groups. In the second episode, our Irish delegate Dr Mark Kelada talked about the highly discussed topic of microplastics and highlighted both the positive aspects of plastic in general, and the issues associated with its waste management.

This year, the EYCN also released a new mini-series, in which they interview the four winners (gold and silver medals) of the prestigious European Young Chemists’ Award (EYCA) to discuss their research with them and ask them for advice for other young chemists. In these four episodes, Dr Maria Chiara Sportelli, Dr Eoin Murray, Dr Grégory Chatel, and Dr Emilila Paone gave us personal insights into their lives as young scientists and answered many questions about their innovative research topics. They explained the possible applications of antimicrobial thin films on food packaging, a novel device that allows for fast, cheap and continuous monitoring of nitrite and nitrate in natural and industrial waters, the application of ultrasound to enable novel reactions, which could allow for more eco-friendly processes in the chemical industry, and how important chemicals for industrial processes can be synthesised in a more sustainable way without relying on petrochemical resources.

If you feel intrigued by any of the mentioned topics, you can listen to the EYCN podcast on your favourite platform for podcasts.

Miguel Steiner
EYCN Membership Team Leader