The Spectroscopy in a Suitcase Workshop, originally rolled-out by The Royal Society of Chemistry, is a free Outreach activity that provides local chemistry students (aged 16-18) hands-on access to research-level equipment from The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.Ìý
The workshop focuses on Mass Spectrometry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Infrared Spectroscopy including a brief lecture, a problem-solving group task and practical work using our portable Bruker Infrared Spectrometer.
Having recently undergone a revamp, the workshop has been streamlined to align with the UK A-Level syllabuses while still being able to meet the various needs of students ranging in age, ability and background. Embodying the spirit of outreach activities, the current programme is lead and run by post-graduate students and apprentices at The ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ who came from local state schools, enthusiastic about encouraging the next generation of chemists in Higher Education.
Learners can learn about university life, research, alternative degrees and state-of-the-art equipment alongside the analytical chemistry content. During the 2025/26 academic year the workshop has reached over 500 students at 10 schools and colleges in the South of England and is still growing as well as being present at ¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ Science and Engineering Festivals and The British Science Festival Future Chemistry Hub 2026!
We have recent been awarded a Royal Society of Chemistry grant to continue to support this activity into 2026/2027 and get our to as many schools as we can!
If you are interested in the Spectroscopy in a Suitcase workshop, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the link below.
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Free SIAS ResourcesÌý
The Resource pack for those interested in running a Spectroscopy in a Suitcase workshop
Poster -ÌýWhere could Spectroscopy take you?Ìý
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