Salter's prize success for Chemistry graduate

Salters’ Hall in Fore Street, London was the venue of the awards ceremony associated with all the educational programmes supported by both the Salters’ and Horners’ livery companies in the area of chemistry and physics. Every year they reward academic excellence at GCSE and A level and also reward the highest standards in teaching and technical support.

At University level The Salters’ Graduate Chemistry prize goes to the top 5 chemistry students in the country. The Salters’ company accept nominees from UK Universities and take the nominations as being indicative of each student’s intellectual abilities. They shortlist for interviews during which they look for the capacity to contribute to the future of the UK and global scientific community at the highest level.

In 2011 Emma Stuart, a Master of Chemistry (MChem) graduate from the University of Southampton, was one of five winners of this prestigious award. She received her prize from the Right Honourable David Willetts (Minister for Universities and Science) and the Right Honourable The Lord Butler of Brockwell Lord (Master of the Salters’ Livery Company.

David Willetts spoke of the importance of STEM subjects to the UK and relayed the excellent news that uptake in them at A level was on the up, with chemistry leading the way with a 9.2% increase on the previous year. He complimented the Salters Institute on their support for chemistry from early secondary through to graduate learning environments.

Emma is the first Southampton chemistry student to win this award and the occasion was attended by her parents who were justifiably proud of her achievements. Emma graduated with a Master of Chemistry (First Class) in the summer of 2011 and has already started her PhD with Professor Compton in Oxford. She is well set to realise the influential future that the Salters’ panel believe that she has. Congratulations Emma!