Blogs

On the shoulders of giants: revisiting phosphate sorption by soils

By Jenny Pham posted 4 days ago
On the shoulders of giants: revisiting phosphate sorption by soils The size of the pool of phosphate (PO 4 ) stored by a soil, and its relation to the PO 4 concentration in solution, are estimated by using PO 4 sorption protocols. These measures are of broad interest as they provide an index of both PO 4 bioavailability and of environmental risk through PO 4 runoff or leaching. Australian researcher, Dr N Jim Barrow, who passed away in 2025, was a world leader in describing anion sorption by soils. Early in the 1970s he showed that the relation between the concentrations of sorbed PO 4 and those in solution could be fitted by ...

Information from Safe Work Australia

By Jenny Pham posted 9 days ago
Information from Safe Work Australia Dear Members, Safe Work Australia’s CEO has been in touch with the RACI CEO to provide the following update to support the transition from workplace exposure standards to workplace exposure limits. Information supplied by Safe Work Australia states that in April 2024, work health and safety (WHS) ministers agreed to introduce new workplace exposure limits, which will come into effect from 1 December 2026. From this date, employers must ensure no person at their workplace is exposed to an airborne contaminant above the exposure limit in the workplace exposure limits for airborne contaminants ...

RACI Policy Priorities Survey 2026's Results

By Jenny Pham posted 9 days ago
RACI Policy Priorities Survey 2026's Results As RACI develops its policy priorities and advocacy agenda for 2026 and beyond, we recently surveyed our members to better understand the issues they believe should be at the forefront of national policy discussions. The response was clear. Members are looking for stronger support across the chemistry workforce and education pipeline, improved research and science system governance, enhanced industrial capability and safety, and practical frameworks for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in chemistry. Participants also highlighted a range of cross-cutting challenges, including workforce shortages, ...

From Molecular Codes to Rapid Diagnostic Kits: The Quiet Impact of Dr David Marlborough

By Jenny Pham posted 30-06-2026
From Molecular Codes to Rapid Diagnostic Kits: The Quiet Impact of Dr David Marlborough Early curiosity in molecular structure Long before rapid antigen tests became household items, David Marlborough was immersed in a very different scientific puzzle, the structural logic of life itself. During his PhD and postdoctoral work in the 1970s, Dr Marlborough focused on polypeptide conformations and the emerging understanding of how genetic information translates into protein structure. His research, published in Biopolymers (1973) and later in Origins of Life (1980), explored patterns that hinted at a deeper biochemical order. ...

Last Nominations?

By Jenny Pham posted 20-06-2026
Last nominations? There is still time to nominate someone outstanding for the RACI National Awards, but not much. Every year, these awards celebrate the people whose work is shaping chemistry in Australia and beyond. Some are driving discovery in the lab. Others are transforming classrooms, building stronger communities, mentoring the next generation or leading change in ways that may not always make headlines, but make a real difference. That is why nominations matter. A nomination is more than a form. It is a statement that someone’s contribution deserves to be seen, valued and remembered. It is one of ...

Applications for 2026 O’Donnell Student Travel Awards Now Open!

By Justin Chalker posted 16-06-2026
The RACI Polymer Division is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 O’Donnell Student Travel Awards are now open! In 2026 nominations for this award will be submitted directly via the RACI website – information can be found at this link: https://raci.org.au/events-and-awards/awards/divisional-awards/polymer-chemistry-awards Nominations for this award are open from 16 June 2026, with a closing date of 15 August. You can read more about the O’Donnell award and the Division’s commitment to supporting student travel here .

Champion of Regulatory Science and Cross-Sector Leadership: David Lin’s Story

By Jenny Pham posted 12-06-2026
Champion of Regulatory Science and Cross-Sector Leadership: David Lin’s Story Overview David Lin is an Assistant Director at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), where he applies over three decades of experience across academia, industry, and government to the regulation of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals. In his current role, he leads the chemistry assessment to support robust regulatory decision-making that protects public health and the environment, including chemical re-consideration, adverse event report program, and compliance investigation to ensure the public the agvet chemical products ...

First-Timers Guide: Crushing the RACI National Congress 2026 as a Student

By Jenny Pham posted 20-05-2026
First-Timers Guide: Crushing the RACI National Congress 2026 as a Student Picture this: a week packed with world-class plenary speakers from MIT and Tokyo Uni, hands-on workshops, poster sessions buzzing with fresh ideas, and a Career Fair where industry legends scout the next big thing in chemistry. RACI National Congress 2026 in Perth (5-10 July) is that golden ticket for PhD students and early-career researchers chasing collaborations, job leads, or just that elusive "aha" moment to supercharge the thesis. But let's be real – the real magic happens in conversations, not just sessions. Here's your ultimate guide to prepping, networking like a pro, and ...

From Lab to Lecture Tour: Early Career Wins

By Jenny Pham posted 19-05-2026
From Lab to Lecture Tour: Early Career Wins In chemistry, the smallest spark can change the direction of a career. A conference presentation, a new collaboration, a travel grant, a medal, a lecture invitation: these are often the moments when early career chemists stop being “up and coming” and start being seen for the impact they already have. That is what the 2025 RACI National Awards recipients show so clearly. Their stories are not just about achievement; they are about momentum, visibility and the way a well-timed award can help turn excellent work into a wider professional future. The RACI National Awards recognise that early ...

Foundations Maintained, but Concerns for Future R&D Capacity

By Jenny Pham posted 13-05-2026
Foundations Maintained, but Concerns for Future R&D Capacity The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) acknowledges the Federal Government’s continued investment in education, science and innovation in the 2026–27 Budget, while raising concerns about the long-term impact on Australia’s research and development capability. The Budget maintains investment in science, skills and engagement and signals support for reform and better coordination across the research system, including through the establishment of the National Resilience and Science Council. However, it also includes savings measures affecting the research and commercialisation ...

Understanding Concepts Taught Commonly across Science

By Jenny Pham posted 13-05-2026
Understanding Concepts Taught Commonly across Science Oxidation reduction (redox) reactions and elevation of boiling point are two key topics discussed here, but concerns occur whenever fundamental units are changed (like from imperial to metric). When teaching concepts change approach, care is needed to ensure there are no errors in revised formats. Undergraduate texts like Vogal and Ewing taught redox reactions and by convention prior to the 1970s, authors chose reduction equations (M x+ ---> M (x-n)+ + ne). However, the associated Nernst equation taught was in the form E = E o + 0.0591/n*log [ox]/[red] with E o being the ...

CO₂ Isn’t the Only Driver: What the Climate Change Debate Leaves Out

By Jenny Pham posted 17-04-2026
CO₂ Isn’t the Only Driver: What the Climate Change Debate Leaves Out As a youngster first getting about and joining the social world, others suggested avoid religion and politics when joining in conversations, saying it would be safer to merely chat about the weather. For about the last 30 years climate change has become a topic of interest to many. Increasingly, this has become a topic that can develop into arguments, so chatting about the weather is less advisable. Initially global warming caused by human activity was the concern quoted, however quantitating this requires numerous readings to measure on a global scale. ...

Have your say - RACI Policy Priorities

By Jenny Pham posted 13-04-2026
Have your say Help shape RACI’s policy priorities and advocacy focus by completing a short survey. Your input will guide where we focus our efforts, support opportunities for funding, and help deliver outcomes that benefit you and the chemical sciences. This survey is only open to RACI members. >> Access Survey Here << Join the RACI and make your voice heard >> Not A Member? Join Now!! #Feature #News

Have your say

By Jenny Pham posted 13-04-2026
Have your say Help shape RACI’s policy priorities and advocacy focus by completing a short survey. Your input will guide where we focus our efforts, support opportunities for funding, and help deliver outcomes that benefit you and the chemical sciences. This survey is only open to RACI members. >> Access Survey Here << Join the RACI and make your voice heard Not A Member? Join Now!! #News #Feature

RACI welcomes ‘Ambitious Australia’ report

By Jenny Pham posted 17-03-2026
RACI welcomes ‘ Ambitious Australia ’ report The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) welcomes the release of ‘ Ambitious Australia – Strategic Examination of R&D ’, a landmark report calling for bold, systemic reform to secure Australia’s long‑term prosperity through a stronger, more coordinated research, development and innovation (RD&I) system. The expert panel behind the report is clear that Australia must move beyond incremental adjustments to an increasingly fragmented RD&I system and instead commit to a focused national strategy that lifts foundational research, accelerates translation and strengthens industry ...

STEM She Leads: Mapping Futures with Sandra Flores‑Castillo

By Jenny Pham posted 17-03-2026
STEM She Leads: Mapping Futures with Sandra Flores‑Castillo What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM? My interest in STEM began in high school, when I participated in MnDOT’s Phoenix Internship Program. It was my first exposure to a professional work environment and to the real-world impact of science, engineering, and transportation. Working at the Materials and Road Research Lab showed me that STEM careers aren’t just technical, they’re deeply connected to public service. As I continued through MnDOT’s Career Pathway Programs, especially Seeds and MnROW, I discovered my passion for mapping, GIS, and photogrammetry. Seeing ...

RACI STEM She Leads: Helen Evans-Lemmo Breaking Barriers & Building Solutions

By Jenny Pham posted 13-03-2026
RACI STEM She Leads: Helen Evans-Lemmo Breaking Barriers & Building Solutions What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM? I was fortunate to grow up in a household where my parents instilled in me the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. From an early age, I gravitated more toward Lego sets and building blocks than traditional "girls' toys," drawn to activities that encouraged creativity and problem-solving. In high school, I was lucky to have one of those rare, truly inspirational science teachers who nurtured my curiosity and encouraged me to explore the world through a scientific lens. Their influence ...

The United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme

By Jenny Pham posted 11-03-2026
The United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme Registration is now open for the United Nations Chemicals and Waste Management Study Programme , a 5-day in-person immersion in Geneva , delivered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). This flagship programme offers participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with the global institutions shaping international chemicals and waste policy , while gaining first-hand exposure to multilateral environmental governance in a UN hub. Why participate? Hosted in Geneva – a global centre for chemicals and waste ...

🌟 Introducing the Judges for the 2026 International Chemistry & Art Competition

By Hannah McCarthy posted 16-02-2026
The Royal Australian Chemical Institute is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2026 International Chemistry & Art Competition (ICAAC) . This year’s theme— “Chemistry powering our planet” —invites young people to explore and celebrate the central role chemistry plays in sustaining and transforming our world. Our diverse panel brings together leading educators, scientists, communicators and artists who are united by a shared passion for expanding public engagement with chemistry. 🔬 Sarah Chapman A champion for STEM equity, Sarah Chapman is the founder of STEM Changemakers and the Townsville STEM Hub , initiatives that ...

Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Creating Space for Every Future Chemist

By Hannah McCarthy posted 11-02-2026
Each year on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we pause to recognise the extraordinary women and girls who are shaping the future of chemistry and scientific discovery — in our classrooms, laboratories, industries, and communities. Across Australia and around the world, women in science are leading innovation, tackling global challenges, mentoring the next generation, and redefining what leadership in STEM looks like. Their impact is not only measured in breakthroughs and research, but in the doors they open for others to follow. At the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, we believe that when girls can see themselves represented ...