Department of Chemistry recognised for innovative work to decolonise the curriculum

Posted on Tuesday 18 November 2025

The Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon Education Award recognises the pioneering work undertaken in the Department over more than five years.

Since 2019, the Department of Chemistry has led efforts to promote decolonisation of the undergraduate curriculum, setting an international roadmap for decolonisation across UK STEM and chemistry departments.

Global voices

The aim of decolonising the curriculum is to develop a broad scientific perspective that better includes global voices and contexts than has traditionally been the case. This has the potential to improve the retention and attainment of individuals from ethnic minorities in higher education - an important goal for chemistry, where ethnic minority individuals are underrepresented, especially at the higher levels of academia.

Professor Caroline Dessent, former Head of the Department of Chemistry at York, said she was incredibly proud of the team.

She said: “The prize gives us another opportunity to explain what decolonising the curriculum is, and help to make the undergraduate chemistry curriculum relevant to as many global student chemists as possible. 

“It's great for the University of York to gain this award, given that it aligns with the University's core commitment to internationalism."

Professor of Chemistry, David Smith, added: “Developing an approach which still teaches all of the key chemistry but also encourages students to consider the context and ethics of the science they learn, to understand its intersections with society, and become better equipped to operate in a global setting, is potentially transformative in terms of the scientists we produce.”

Driving change

Avtar Matharu, a Professor of Green Chemistry, said: “As a person of colour with a strong visible identity who has significant lived experiences, both negative and positive, I want to continually drive change so that chemistry is a great discipline for all students, not just a few.

“I view myself as a role model and I want to inspire the current and next generation of chemists to do better science.”

Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The 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.

“The inspiration, innovation and dedication of those who work in education is fundamental to the progress of the chemical sciences – shaping the future and setting our young people up to tackle the challenges and the opportunities facing our society and our planet.

“The Decolonising the Chemistry Curriculum Group’s work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to chemistry education, and it is our honour to celebrate their considerable contribution.”

Leadership and legitimacy

The RSC Horizon Education Award is awarded to groups, teams and collaborations of any form or size who are opening up new directions and possibilities in chemical education through ground-breaking scientific developments. 

The Horizon Award notes that decolonising had previously been largely ignored by the chemistry community, and that by acting together from a prominent chemistry department, the team in York were able to provide leadership and legitimacy to a topic which has, and in some quarters continues, to be viewed as highly controversial.

These efforts have since snowballed, and are now included as key resources by many science departments interested in decolonising their curricula.