Rugby Chemists Present Research at National IRIS Conference

Six LXX Chemistry students recently represented Rugby School at the annual Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS) conference in Manchester. The event brought together young scientists from across the UK to share their research and engage with leading academics.

Rugby’s students presented a poster on their year-long project exploring the chemistry of ionic liquids – highly unconventional compounds with wide-ranging applications, from green energy to novel solvents. Over the year, they designed and carried out their own investigations, developing both practical skills and a deeper understanding of advanced chemical principles.

At the conference, they had the chance to discuss their work with peers, hear presentations on topics ranging from elephant tracking in Botswana to AI at CERN, and connect with university researchers at the forefront of scientific discovery.

Dr Stephen Belding, Head of Chemistry, reflected:

“We want our students not just to learn science, but to live it – to take risks, ask big questions, and work with the same sense of curiosity as real researchers. This project embodies that spirit and has sparked a passion for discovery that I know will stay with them.”