On 2 December 2025, University of Glasgow doctoral researcher Nitin Kumar (DC11) participated in a series of Paracetamol-themed laboratory workshops for a group of pupils who travelled from Dumfries. Aimed at providing hands-on experience in chemistry, the sessions introduced students to practical aspects of pharmaceutical science while offering a glimpse into life as a researcher.
The workshops were divided into two parts. In the first half, Kumar and a couple of colleagues delivered a short talk about their academic journeys and research projects, sharing insights into the day-to-day work of a PhD student and inspiring students to consider future careers in science. In the second half, they guided pupils through a hands-on activity, helping them synthesise paracetamol and volunteer in the lab, allowing students to apply what they had just learned in a practical setting.
“It’s amazing to see students’ curiosity come alive when they move from listening to actually performing experiments,” Kumar explained. “Even simple lab activities can spark a deeper interest in science and show that chemistry is not just abstract theory, it’s something you can explore and create.”
The pupils, likely in secondary school, engaged enthusiastically with both the talk and the lab work. Kumar emphasised that events like these help bridge the gap between advanced research and community understanding, showing students how molecules and reactions studied in the lab have real-world applications.
For Kumar, participating in these workshops reinforced the importance of public engagement. “One of the best parts is seeing students gain confidence in the lab while also appreciating how research can impact everyday life,” he remarked. “It’s about turning curiosity into inspiration and showing that science is accessible to everyone.”
By combining personal insights, interactive demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory experience, Kumar and his colleagues made the Paracetamol workshops a memorable and inspiring experience for the pupils. The sessions exemplify the University of Glasgow’s commitment to engaging the next generation of scientists and demonstrating how research can inform, excite, and include the wider community.
