Prof. Gill Reid, currently Head of Chemistry, joined the department as a lecturer in 1991, working her way up to Professor (2006), whilst also bringing up her two children in a period where the concept of a ‘work-life balance’ was unusual in academia and there were few role-models for female academics. Gill has a strong commitment to education, outreach and public engagement. She led Chemistry's Outreach Programme from 2000-10, leading several successful EPSRC and RSC projects in this area, receiving both University and RSC awards for her work in promoting chemistry.
Gill has worked with the RSC for many years, serving on Dalton Council and later as an elected member of RSC Council (2011-15). She currently chairs the Outreach Working Group responsible for delivering the RSC’s strategy for promoting Chemistry to young people and to the public. In 2002, she co-founded the “Southampton Science and Engineering Day.” Originally involving a small group of departments, this has event is now a major feature in the University and attracts >7000 visitors each year.
Gill always tries to find time to be a mentor to students and young academics. She is driven by a desire to remove barriers to success, and having been fortunate to receive really good advice at key times from supportive colleagues herself, she appreciates how important this is for others.