The Programme

The Department of Chemical Engineering’s Young Ambassador Programme engages groups of S3 pupils (age 13–14) from local secondary schools in a collaborative, project-based experience exploring a range of topics covering chemical engineering research, careers, and ethics.

Schools nominate a team of pupils, who work together throughout the programme, supported by a PhD mentor from the University of Strathclyde. The programme builds pupils’ confidence, teamwork, and communication skills while helping them understand how chemistry contributes to solving real-world challenges.

Programme overview

The programme works with secondary schools across Glasgow and the surrounding area, with a focus on widening participation and supporting pupils from disadvantaged and low-progression backgrounds.

Each school nominates a group of five S3 pupils. These school teams take part in a two-day university-based masterclass, followed by a supported group project delivered back in school.

During the two-day Masterclass at the University of Strathclyde, pupil teams will:

• Take part in hands-on chemistry activities linked to sustainability
• Work with PhD mentors, academics, and industry professionals
• Explore real-world case studies, including:
• Water purification
• Renewable energy
• Sustainable food production
• Materials, recycling, and the circular economy
• Learn about green chemistry careers at a key decision-making stage in their education

Each school team is paired with a PhD student mentor, who supports them throughout the programme and acts as a role model for further study and careers in chemistry and engineering.

School-Based Group Project

After the university workshop, each school team works together to co-develop an interactive workshop or demonstration for a local primary school, themed around their chosen sustainability focus.

With guidance from their PhD mentor, pupils will:

• Adapt complex chemistry concepts for younger audiences
• Design engaging, hands-on activities
• Develop leadership, teamwork, and presentation skills

After the summer break, the pupil-designed workshops are delivered to around 20 primary schools, reaching approximately 500 primary pupils across Glasgow and the surrounding area. Both secondary and primary schools receive resource packs to support future delivery and embed the activities beyond the lifetime of the programme.

Programme Timeline

• February–March: School recruitment, pupil group nominations, and PhD mentor matching
• March–April: Two-day Green Chemistry Futures Masterclass delivered at the University of Strathclyde
• May–June: School teams begin co-developing primary school workshop activities with mentor support
• August–November: Ambassador-led workshops delivered in partner primary schools
• December: Programme evaluation, celebration of achievements, and sharing of open-access resources

This Year’s Programme: Green Chemistry Careers

The 2026 Ambassador Programme focuses on Green Chemistry Careers, showcasing how chemistry and chemical engineering underpin sustainable solutions in areas such as energy, water, materials, and food.

Pupils explore how chemistry contributes to tackling climate change and supporting greener industries, while learning about a wide range of future study and career pathways. The programme also empowers pupils to act as peer mentors, developing and delivering outreach activities for younger learners.

This year’s programme is funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry Chemists’ Community Fund. Applications for this year’s programme will open February 2026.

How to get involved

If your school is interested in taking part in the 2026 Ambassador Programme, or would like more information about upcoming opportunities, please get in touch at outreach-chemeng@strath.ac.uk