Supporting the next generation of innovators

In a world grappling with the consequences of plastic pollution, the need for change has never been more evident. The young minds of today will be the leaders of tomorrow, and it is vital to equip them with the knowledge and passion to tackle environmental challenges. As a polymer scientist working on sustainable materials, I recently had the privilege of engaging with a group of enthusiastic students in an outreach activity focused on plastic pollution, enabled by The Learning Lab at Science Creates. 

We talked with the students about the severity of plastic pollution and its detrimental consequences and discussed the impact of plastic bottles, the challenges of recycling, and what a sustainable alternative would, or should look like. This knowledge served as our motivation to find an innovative, greener solution. The heart of our outreach activity lay in the power of seaweed. Seaweed is not only a renewable resource, but also a rich source of biopolymers. The unique gelling properties of these polysaccharides make it possible to form biodegradable pods that can hold water and other food and drinks, which could reduce plastic waste. Equipped with the fundamentals of seaweed chemistry, the students collaborated in small groups to create their own seaweed-derived water pods. It was an exercise in creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Each group overcame challenges, as scientists often do during research and development.  

It is an important part of Kelpi’s purpose to engage with and highlight the potential for science to drive positive change, and so it was a huge privilege to be part of Science Creates Outreach’s event, supporting the next generation of innovators along their scientific journeys.

Find out more about Science Creates Outreach here: https://sciencecreatesoutreach.co.uk/  

Julia Maxwell

Polymer Scientist @ Kelpi