Faculty of Chemistry BUT workshops: Opening laboratory doors to young talent

At the Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, we are committed to showing secondary school students that chemistry is much more than memorising formulas and solving equations. We want them to experience it firsthand. One of the most successful examples of this approach is our series of specialised workshops for secondary schools, during which our laboratories become places of discovery, experimentation and the first steps towards a future career in chemistry.

Author: Tomáš Malcher

Workshops are designed as several-hour practical sessions where students can gain hands-on experience with the instruments and methods used in research and industry. Guided by experts, they explore different areas of modern chemistry and discover how scientific knowledge is applied to solving real-world challenges. The emphasis is on active participation, with students not only observing but also carrying out measurements, analysing data and discussing their results.

These activities would not be possible without the dedication of our academics, PhD candidates and other faculty colleagues. Thanks to their expertise and willingness to share their time with secondary school students, participants can experience chemistry in an authentic environment and see what work in a modern laboratory is really like.

Student feedback shows that participants leave the workshops not only with new knowledge but also with fresh inspiration.

Here are just a few of their comments:

  • "I learned how water quality is measured and how to tell whether water is safe to drink."
  • "I learned a lot about bacteria and the materials they produce. I was surprised to discover that some bacteria can produce plastics."
  • "I learned a lot about 3D printing and the materials used for it. Making the filament was my favourite part."
  • "We made a cream and a lip balm and also learned a lot about balanced nutrition."
  • "I found out how alloys and plastics work."
  • "The programme was excellently prepared. There wasn't a single moment when we had nothing to do."
  • "It was awesome!"

Workshops by the numbers (2025):

  • 20 workshop topics on offer
  • 50 workshops delivered
  • Nearly 800 participants
  • 1,000+ thanks to everyone involved

Behind these figures stand dozens of academics, PhD candidates and other members of the Faculty of Chemistry who open the doors of their laboratories to secondary school students and introduce them to chemistry as it is practised in real research and industry. Thanks to their commitment, students can work with modern equipment, carry out experiments independently and gain hands-on experience that goes far beyond what is typically available in secondary school classrooms.

Our sincere thanks go to everyone involved in preparing and delivering these workshops and helping inspire young people to pursue chemistry and the natural sciences.

You can find the current workshop offer here. To see what the individual workshops look like in practice, visit our YouTube playlist.

-jo-

Published
Link https://www.fch.vut.cz/en//f96620/d343622