Great Science Share for Schools wins prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry Prize
(GSSfS) has been named winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry鈥檚 Team Prize for Excellence in Primary Education in recognition of brilliance in chemistry education.
The team is a collaboration between The University of 野狼社区 and sector partners, including BASF, Siemens, the Ogden Trust, Primary Science Teaching Trust, the Comino Foundation, the Royal Society, ASE, PSQM, SSERC, Leeds Trinity University, and CREST 鈥� involving hundreds of schools across the UK.
They won the prize in recognition of their work inspiring 5-14 years olds in practical science, through a collaborative campaign focused on pupils asking, investigating and sharing their scientific questions. Supported by their teachers, young people work scientifically to gather evidence, draw conclusions and share their learning with new audiences, from fellow pupils to community groups and dignitaries.
GSSfS is relevant to all young people, in whatever educational setting, anywhere across the world. This year, the campaign reached over 670,000 pupils in more than 3,500 schools, spanning 36 countries.
鈥淭his award is the first 鈥榳hole team鈥� prize awarded to Great Science Share for Schools acknowledging our wider partners and supporters. It is significant in the way it recognises how so many people come together in supporting its growth and success. It鈥檚 a huge thank you to all of them. It is wonderful to receive recognition from the RSC and it acts as further inspiration for us to continue to make a difference to primary and secondary pupils鈥� learning of chemistry and other science disciplines.鈥�
Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: 鈥淭he chemical sciences are at the forefront of tackling a range of challenges facing our world. From fundamental chemistry to cutting-edge innovations, the work that chemical scientists do has an important role to play in building our future.
鈥淭he inspiration, innovation and dedication of those who work in education is fundamental to the progress of the chemical sciences 鈥� shaping the future and setting our young people up to tackle the challenges and the opportunities facing our society and our planet.
鈥淭he team鈥�s work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to chemistry education, and it is our honour to celebrate their considerable contribution.鈥�
The Royal Society of Chemistry鈥檚 prizes have recognised excellence in the chemical sciences for more than 150 years. This year鈥檚 winners join a prestigious list of past winners in the RSC鈥檚 prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work, including 2022 Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B Goodenough.
The Excellence in Education Prizes celebrate inspirational, innovative, and dedicated people working in primary, secondary, further education and higher education 鈥� including teachers, technicians and more. These prizes recognise a wide range of skills 鈥� from curriculum design to effective teaching, and from personal development to working culture. This category includes specific prizes for teams and for those in the early stages of their career.