Dame Mary Archer DBE Delivers Inspiring Lecture on Sustainable Chemistry

On Thursday 1st May, the Chemistry Department at Rugby School was privileged to welcome Dame Mary Archer DBE as a guest speaker. Widely recognised for her pioneering work in solar energy and sustainable chemistry, Dame Mary delivered an engaging and deeply inspiring lecture to students across the Sixth Form.

Drawing on her distinguished career as a physical chemist and former lecturer at both Oxford and Cambridge, Dame Mary spoke compellingly about the science behind solar cells and the broader importance of green chemistry in an age of climate urgency. Her reflections on the role of scientific innovation in shaping a more sustainable future resonated strongly with our students, many of whom are aspiring scientists themselves.

Beyond her scientific work, Dame Mary has held a number of high-profile roles in public service, including Chair of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and, more recently, Chancellor of the University of Buckingham. Her continued leadership across scientific, medical and educational spheres serves as an extraordinary model of service and ambition.

Reflecting on the occasion, Dr Stephen Belding, Head of Chemistry, remarked:“Great chemists do not simply understand the world—they change it. Dame Mary Archer has shown our students that a life in science can be both intellectually rich and profoundly impactful. Her visit was a powerful reminder that the pursuit of knowledge is also a pursuit of purpose.”

We are grateful to Dame Mary for giving so generously of her time, and we hope her visit will remain a source of inspiration for our students for years to come.