Write to your local MP about tackling the challenges facing chemistry in UK higher education

Write to your local MP about tackling the challenges facing chemistry in UK higher education - Step 1

Chemistry higher education is central to achieving the UK Government's ambitions^{^[i]} and delivering the jobs growth potential of the chemical sciences sector, which is projected to outstrip the rest of the UK labour market by 30% by 2032^{^[ii]}.

But the UK higher education is facing a financial sustainability crisis and, consequently, is undergoing department and course closures, and mergers.

At the Royal Society of Chemistry, we are extremely concerned about the risk of universities closing chemistry programmes and departments that provide substantial long-term benefits to local and national economies. We recognise the need for change in UK higher education to achieve financial sustainability and will work with Governments and other decisionmakers to shape this, whilst seeking to ensure the continued supply of the skills and capabilities needed for the future of the chemical sciences profession.

In writing to your elected representative, you will also help us highlight the issue to decisionmakers.

Simply fill in your name and details below, and you will be able to review a pre-written email to send directly to your MP. If you'd like, you can add the name of your institution on the next slide, personalise the email to include information about your own experiences and knowledge – this personalisation will have greater impact but is not essential.

[i] Department for Business and Trade (June 2025), The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy 2025, https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/the-uks-modern-industrial-strategy-2025

[ii] Lightcast for RSC (2023), The Future Chemistry Workforce and Educational Pathways: an Interim Report, https://www.rsc.org/policy-and-campaigning/discovery-and-innovation/future-workforce-and-educational-pathways

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