Future Chemistry Hub

What does a cup of tea have to do with chemistry? Can AI help scientists make discoveries? How do we find microplastics we can barely see? And what can light tell us about the molecules that make up our world?

Come and find out at the Future Chemistry Hub, a two-day takeover of the University of Southampton's School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering a satellite event of the British Science Festival 2026.

On 16 and 17 September, we're opening our doors and filling the building with experiments, demonstrations, talks, tours, art and hands-on science. This isn't just a chance to hear about chemistry. You'll be able to get poke, prod and squish it..

Make, measure, investigate and experiment as you explore the chemistry behind plastics, crystals, spectroscopy, sustainable materials and even cups of tea. Discover how researchers use light to identify chemicals, how scientific data can help us understand the world, and what happens when AI gets involved in the process of scientific discovery.

You can also go behind the scenes of a working university and see some of the spaces where chemistry and chemical engineering happen. Our programme of tours and demonstrations will take visitors into specialist facilities, with researchers on hand to explain what the equipment actually does and why they use it.

Throughout the two days there will also be free talks from scientists, engineers and other guests, covering chemistry, careers and the many different routes people take into science. Some talks may require advance booking to guarantee a place.

And chemistry isn't confined to the laboratory. Our cyanotype art exhibition uses one of photography's oldest chemical processes to create striking blue-and-white images inspired by science, bringing chemistry, light and art together in the same space.

Whether you're thinking about studying science, already fascinated by it, or simply fancy spending an afternoon finding out what goes on inside a university chemistry building, you're welcome.

Come for the experiments. Stay for the tours. Ask researchers awkward questions. Find out just how much chemistry is hiding in the world around you.

Venue details: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton, England, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom