The University of Bath's Institute for Sustainability hosted its Summer Showcase last week, inviting academics and industry to learn about the latest developments in sustainable chemical research.

This year, the Showcase celebrated the research of current students in the Institute’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Sustainable Chemical Technologies as well as inviting former students back to share their professional journey and achievements since graduating from the CDT.

The two-day event also included poster sessions and the award of the Janet Scott Prize, in memory of the late Professor Janet Scott who was Professor of Sustainable Chemistry and Training Director at the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies.

The event also included a plenary lecture by the Rt Hon Chris Skidmore OBE MP, which focused on Net Zero Policy and the role of the circular economy.

He said the UK has a ‘moral imperative’ to show leadership on achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and that Net Zero targets should not simply be environmental policy, but also seen as an opportunity for economic growth.

Skidmore, who was recently appointed Professor of Practice at the University, said: “Waste is caused by a lack of imagination – we need a holistic approach to the circular economy and depoliticise our net zero targets so that everyone can commit to actions toward a common goal.

“Instead of waiting for central Government to take legislative action, which can be time-consuming, we should be empowering local Government to be able to pursue targets regionally.

“A part of my new professorship at Bath, I’m looking forward to working alongside leading academic practitioners on net zero policymaking and the energy transition.”

Co-Director of the Institute, Professor Matthew Davidson, said: “It was an honour to host Chris Skidmore at the Institute’s Showcase event following his recent appointment as a Professor of Practice at the University.

"It is vital that our researchers and partners appreciate the policy environment in which they are working in order to maximise positive societal impacts of their work.

"Professor Skidmore’s lecture provided a superb and authoritative summary and we very much look forward to working closely with him in the future to build on his influential review.”