Briar Chemicals welcomed a group of Chemistry students from the University of East Anglia who are studying Chemistry to provide an insight into the manufacturing industry.
The 2nd year Chemistry students met with a team of Briar’s Chemists and Chemical Engineers to understand first-hand how the chemistry they learn at University can be applied on an industrial scale.
The visit was arranged by Dr Tharin Blumenschein, Director of Employability at the UEA School of Chemistry, who has been working with Briar Chemicals over the past few years organising various student visits. Dr Blumenschein said: “A group of mostly 2nd year Chemistry students at UEA had a great time learning more about the Chemistry done at Briar. We were able to see reaction vessels up close, and understand the difference in scale between the Chemistry performed in the teaching laboratory and what happens in industrial settings. The weather helped, too, and made the walk between the different buildings very pleasant.”
“We finished the day with an impromptu discussion of the safety risks and precautions involved in Chemistry work.”
The group of UEA students were taken on a tour around the site; visiting the production plants, control rooms and analytical laboratories. Following the tour, they had the opportunity to talk to the team about the career pathways available in the chemical industry.
Briar Chemicals are passionate about providing a platform and sharing their knowledge with aspiring young scientists; to develop skills for a sustainable future.
Tim Green, Site Manager said: “It is our responsibility to develop skills for the future by investing in the next generation and the community in which we operate.”
As part of Briar’s education programme, the company offers work experience, summer placements and a year in industry student placement; helping to build a foundation of knowledge for the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Briar has been shortlisted for the UK’s Chemical Industry Associations Reputation Award for recognition of their involvement within the community and will be attending the awards ceremony in June.