I realise that it has been a long time since I wrote a blog post here, 2022 in fact. I’ve had a lot going on in my life and his blog and my activities with #RealTimeChem just haven’t been a priority.
There is some news though to mention. #RealTimeChem has left X (formerly Twitter). This has been its original home since 2012 and while I’m sure there will be some continued use of the hashtag moving forward I will no longer monitor it. Twitter was a great place it had a fantastic chemistry community, but since it was bought by Elon Musk and transformed into X there has been a slow and steady decline in the number of chemists (and scientists in general) on the site. X has become increasingly hostile, full extreme accounts posting nothing, but hate filled bile aimed at anything remotely progressive. Science denial absolutely thrives on X and I don’t believe it is the right place for #RealTimeChem any more.
I did some time ago start an account for the community on Bluesky although it has not really been a focus for me so far. I am hoping this will change moving into 2025. Hopefully I will see some of you there. I would also, at some point, like to do more with this blog. I’m not sure what exactly, but…something!
We’re back! It’s #RealTimeChem‘s 10th Anniversary and we’ve teamed up with C&EN magazine once again to bring you another Week of chemistry-related fun.
For those not already in the know, #RealTimeChem Week is a 7 day themed event to help raise awareness of the #RealTimeChem chemistry community on Twitter and encourage as many chemists as possible to connect with each other by tweeting about their chemistry as they are doing it. During the week there are events to take part in with prizes on offer, so it’s the perfect week to jump in and share some chemistry with your fellow chemists.
If you are completely new to the community and want to know more about #RealTimeChem in general, then follow this link to the regular “About…” page, where you can learn all about the project and the community.
I’m sure you have questions, you are scientists. Here’s some common questions and the related answers below, including details on this year’s theme, events and prizes:
When is it?
7th November to 13th November 2022
It runs all day, for all 7 days.
How do I take part again?
Just tweet about chemistry using the hashtag #RealTimeChem. Simple as that. You should also use this year’s theme hashtag #Inclusivechem. That hashtag will also be monitored by me (& our sponsors at C&EN) during the event. We also have a series of other hashtag based daily roll calls during the week to highlight different communities that you can be involved in, so check those out below.
#RealTimeChem has a global community with Tweeters from all over the world. They come from a diverse range of cultures and with a huge variety of backgrounds and experiences.
This year we have chosen to both recognise and celebrate this diversity using the hashtag #Inclusivechem. It is so important that we value every member of this community and show that all are welcome. It is our greatest strength. For chemistry to prosper and help the world, it must be inclusive and accessible to all.
Chemistry is for everybody. Let’s celebrate what makes it great. All of you.
Image: Andy Brunning/Compound Interest
Throughout the week we and our friends at C&EN magazine will be asking:
What does #InclusiveChem mean for you?
Show us your #RealTimeChem! Where do you find chemistry around you?
Give a shout out to a mentor, teacher, or colleague who has opened doors in your #InclusiveChem journey
What languages do you use to communicate your science?
How have you changed in the last 10 years of #RealTimeChem? - how did it start and how is it going?
How #RealTimeChem started (yes 24 was vaguely culturally relevant back then) and how it’s going!
What are the Daily Events?
In addition to abovewe will be celebrating #InclusiveChem throughout the week with the following daily roll calls to highlight diversity in our chemistry community:
Nov. 7: #InclusiveChem kick off and Fly your #FlagsOfChem - this can be any flag that you feel is important to who you are - you don’t need to just chose one there are lots! You’ll find quite a few on our banner this year.
To take part in a roll call all you need to do is introduce yourself and/or your chemistry using the relevant hashtag. You can just tweet hello, include photos or video. It’s up to you. We’d love for you to take part and help showcase the wonderful diversity in our community. We’ll also be making shout outs all week to chemists in these communities via@RealTimeChem - we’d love to hear yours too. Do also check out our partners and the great I&D work that they are doing within chemistry.
What are the prizes during #RealTimeChem Week 2022?
Like in previous years there will be prizes for #RealTimeChem Week tweets. However, this year to celebrate 10 years of #RealTimeChem and Inclusion and Diversity in the chemical science, we will be giving away 100 limited edition mugs (yes folks the mugs are baaaaack) featuring the #Inclusivechem art by Andy Brunning.
Winners this year will be selected at random from those who tweet during the week using #InclusiveChem, so everyone has an equal chance of winning!
C&EN magazine will also be running a story online highlighting some of their favourite Tweets during the event, so make it a good one.
Winners will be asked to provide name and address details via DM or email after the event.
#RealTimeChem Week Adverts
Below you will find banners to help you share the word about #RealTimeChem Week 2022. Our graphics whizz Andy Brunning (www.compoundchem.com) is back this year with some fantastic new banners to promote and celebrate #inclusivechem.
Feel free to share these adverts far and wide.
Want to run a competition or event?
There is always room for more chemistry-based fun. If you would like to run an event or competition during #RealTimeChem Week, then please get in touch with me via [email protected] and I’ll be happy to chat about the possibilities.
I’ve finally managed to get the ball rolling on things for #RealTimeChem Week; better late than never right? Im afraid this year is going to be another slimmed down event due to a variety of circumstances, however, there will be bigger things ahead for the hashtag’s 10th anniversary in 2022 (yes it has been that long).
For those not already in the know, #RealTimeChem Week is a 7 day themed event to help raise awareness of the #RealTimeChem chemistry community on Twitter and encourage as many chemists as possible to tweet about their chemistry as they are doing it. During the week there are usually events to take part in, competitions and prizes are on offer, so it’s the perfect week to jump in and share some chemistry with your fellow chemists.
If you are completely new to the community and want to know more about #RealTimeChem in general, then follow this link to the regular “About…” page, where you can learn all about the project and the community.
So, why not take some time during #RealTimeChem Week to share some chemistry and connect to other chemists in the world and have some fun while you’re at it?
I’m sure you have questions, you’re scientists. Here’s some common questions and the related answers below, including details on this year’s theme, events and competitions:
When is it?
28th November- 4th December.
It runs all day, for all 7 days.
How do I take part again?
Just tweet about chemistry using the hashtag #RealTimeChem. Simple as that. You can also use this year’s theme hashtag #GlobalChem. That hashtag will also be monitored by me (& our sponsors at C&EN) during the event. Hell use both. Go wild. Just use one of these hashtags or you’ll be lonely.
So what’s the theme during this year’s event?
This community exists all around the world and this year we’ve decided to celebrate that using the hashtag #GlobalChem!
It’s time to go global! Chemistry is everywhere and the people who make it happen are too! Did you know that #RealTimeChem has been Tweeted about in over 100 countries around the world? This year #RealTimeChem Week is celebrating all that international flavour using the hashtag #GlobalChem.
Use the #GlobalChem roll call to let us know where you are from and what makes it so special to you? What’s the chemistry history of your country? Tell us all about your fantastic international colleagues and collaborators. Have you embarked on any worldwide adventures in your chemical journey? We’d love to hear all about it.
#RealTimeChem Week 2021 - Tweets of the week prizes
Like in previous years there will be prizes for the best #RealTimeChem Week tweets. The format this year has been made super simple without any of the previous categories.
All you have to do is Tweet about your chemistry using the #GlobalChem hashtag (along with #RealTimeChem) to be considered. However, you’ll need to do something a little unique and eye catching to win, extra bonus points if you can use this years theme in a creative way!
As before, C&EN have again kindly provided prizes for the winners. Below are some details about the prizes*
*Please note some details may be subject to change.
There will be 7 Tweets of the Week selected over the course of the event (they may not come from separate days). Tweets will be shortlisted by the folks at CEN and selections made in consultation with myself & #RealTimeChem’s ambassadors.
The prize for a Tweet of the Week will be:
A $50 Amazon Gift Card Prize (or equivalent for non-US locations) courtesy of C&EN.
Tweets posted on all seven days of the event (28th November - 4th December) are eligible for the awards.
We will be keeping an eye on the hashtag and gathering up the best tweets with a summary of winners, published in C&EN in December.
Prizes winners will be announced by C&EN after the event.
Winners will be asked to provide name and address details via DM or email.
#RealTimeChem Week Adverts
Below you will find banners to help you share the word about #RealTimeChem Week 2021. Our usual graphic wonder dude Andy Brunning (www.compoundchem.com) Is taking a break this year spend time with his newborn second child, so this snazzy years graphics have been provided by Dorea Reeser (@drdorea) of C&EN (I’m sure Ultraviolet helped).
Feel free to share this banner far and wide and definitely internationally!
#GlobalChem Roll Call
Information coming soon…
Other events?
There are some plans in progress for other events for the week that may (or may not) happen. Like a lot of people we’ve experienced a lot of disruption due to the pandemic and so the original larger plans have had to be scaled back a bit. If other events do happen we’ll write them up here.
Want to run a competition or event?
There is always room for more chemistry-based fun. If you would like to run an event or competition during #RealTimeChem Week, then please get in touch with me via [email protected] and I’ll be happy to chat about the possibilities.
More than a year has passed since the pandemic started, and it still affects our lives in a tremendous way. Among all the necessary changes we needed to face to tackle this situation, the move to online events has been one of the most impactful.
It is up for debate whether the switch from face-to-face to remote video calls could be considered a good alternative, even if essential to keep us safe. For example, how can we compare the joy of celebrating an important achievement like a graduation with family and friends with a palliative zoom call?
I defended my PhD during the pandemic, online and without audience, and I must admit that this was not great at all, especially because I could not celebrate in person this important moment with my family and friends, and I could not acknowledge their contribution to my success as I wished.
Ok it took me a while to realize what's going on… But I can proudly say that I passed my exam and I am officially a Doctor! In this crazy period I could still defend it, and even if it was a private session, I'm happy that everything went well. Now it's time for acknowledgement
For this reason, in agreement with the curators of @RealTimeChem, we would like to promote a global Twitter celebration for all the people like me who defended their chemistry PhD or obtained their BSc/MSc during the pandemic, sharing photos/videos of their special day.
To do so, we chose the hashtag #UnlockYourGraduation to share these indelible moments with the #RealTimeChem and #ChemTwitter communities.
So graduated recently? Get involved! We would love to hear from you. Share pictures/videos and memories of your graduation (and how you got there) on Twitter with the hashtag and celebrate your hard earned achievements with your peers.
We think this would be a great opportunity to connect more people in the platform via a cheerful and inclusive event, which is what we need during these challenging times to restart our lives with positive vibes.
Back in February we opened up applications to become a #RealTimeChem Ambassador and we are very pleased to be able to announce the first set of newly appointed Ambassadors. This is the last member of that first set. We’re still looking at new applications though!
So without further ado please meet our 5th #RealTimeChem Ambassador (again based in North America):
Gabriele Laudadio was born in 1991 in Italy. He received his M.Sc. degree in Organic Chemistry at the University of Pisa. In 2020, he obtained his Ph.D. degree with Cum Laude under the supervision of Prof. Timothy Noël. Currently, Dr. Laudadio joined Prof. Baran group at the Scripps Research Institute in California. His research is focused on solving synthetic problems in Organic Chemistry embracing new technology, like photochemistry, electrochemistry and flow chemistry. Gabriele has previously worked with #RealTimeChem team on the #Chem4Life theme for #RealTimeChem Week in 2018.
Please join us in saying a big hello to Gabriele either in the comments below or, more likely, on Twitter (you should follow him)! We’ll be working with Gabriele and all of our other new Ambassadors to generate new and exciting content for #RealTimeChem in the coming weeks, months and years ahead!
If you’d like to apply to be a #RealTimeChem Ambassador check out how here.
Back in February we opened up applications to become a #RealTimeChem Ambassador and we are very pleased to be able to announce the first set of newly appointed Ambassadors.
So without further ado please meet our 4th #RealTimeChem Ambassador (this time based in North America!):
Hello, my name is Soren (@sorenlipman) and I am a first-year graduate student in the chemical biology program at UC Berkeley. I am an advocate for academic mental health. In my free time, I love to explore new music (especially alternative rock), cross-stitch, and bake!
Please join us in saying a big hello to Soren either in the comments below or, more likely, on Twitter (you should follow her)! We’ll be working with Soren and all of our other new Ambassadors to generate new and exciting content for #RealTimeChem in the coming weeks, months and years ahead! More ambassadors to be announced soon!
If you’d like to apply to be a #RealTimeChem Ambassador check out how here.
Back in February we opened up applications to become a #RealTimeChem Ambassador and we are very pleased to be able to announce the first set of newly appointed Ambassadors.
So without further ado please meet our third #RealTimeChem Ambassador (still focusing on Europe):
Hi, I’m Henry, currently a graduate researcher in the Cronin Group at the University of Glasgow. My research is focused on developing 3D-printable reactionware devices which are capable of, in theory, performing any chemical synthesis in a series of simple steps. I have a real interest in automated approaches to doing chemistry, especially those which seek to make practical work more accessible for those of us with disabilities. As a RealTimeChem Ambassador, I will look to encourage even more people to takepart in events such as #RealTimeChem Week, as I view this as a great chance not only to build a global network of scientists with varied interests who can interact with each other in this global space, but also break down barriers to communication and ensure everyone has a place they can freely express their interests in chemistry and the associated sciences, ultimately allowing the community to grow and learn together!
Please join us in saying a big hello to Henry either in the comments below or, more likely, on Twitter (you should follow him)! We’ll be working with Henry and all of our other new Ambassadors to generate new and exciting content for #RealTimeChem in the coming weeks, months and years ahead! More ambassadors to be announced soon!
If you’d like to apply to be a #RealTimeChem Ambassador check out how here.
Back in February we opened up applications to become a #RealTimeChem Ambassador and we are very pleased to be able to announce the first set of newly appointed Ambassadors.
So without further ado please meet our second #RealTimeChem Ambassador:
Hi, my name is Charlotte, and I am a PhD student at the University of Leeds in the UK. My research is in the field of soft matter, and I spend most of my time in the lab synthesising polymers by RAFT polymerisation. However, at heart, I’m a physical chemist who is fascinated by colloids! As a woman in chemistry I have often felt like an impostor. Being able to connect with other women through #RealTimeChem has made me more confident within a scientific community that reflects my own experiences.
Please join us in saying a big hello to Charlotte either in the comments below or, more likely, on Twitter (you should follow her)! We’ll be working with Charlotte and all of our other new Ambassadors to generate new and exciting content for #RealTimeChem in the coming weeks, months and years ahead! More ambassadors to be announced soon!
If you’d like to apply to be a #RealTimeChem Ambassador check out how here.
Back in February we opened up applications to become a #RealTimeChem Ambassador and we are very pleased to be able to announce the first set of newly appointed Ambassadors.
So without further ado please meet our first #RealTimeChem Ambassador:
Andryj Borys
I’m Andryj, and I’m a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Bern in Switzerland. My current research explores heterobimetallic s- and d-block complexes, but main-group chemistry, particularly phophorus, is my true passion. I love sharing and seeing cool photos or crazy NMR spectra through the #RealTimeChem hashtag on Twitter, and enjoy interacting with the active and diverse chemistry community.
Please join us in saying a big hello to Andryj either in the comments below or, more likely, on Twitter! We’ll be working with Andryj and all of our other new Ambassadors to generate new and exciting content for #RealTimeChem in the coming weeks, months and years ahead! More ambassadors to be announced soon!
If you’d like to apply to be a #RealTimeChem Ambassador check out how here.
Since 2012, chemists around the world have been connecting on Twitter using #RealTimeChem to tell the everyday story of their lives in chemistry. The number of tweets using #RealTimeChem has exceeded 70,000 during that time and it remains one of the most used hashtags by the ever growing community.
From its incpetion #RealTimeChem has be curated solely by me (@Doctor_Galactic), but times they are a changin’ and as the community has grown it has been necessary to look at ways for #RealTimeChem to evolve and grow with it. I have never tried to control the hashtag in any significant way, it has developed organically and is the sum of all the wonderful chemists who have tweeted over the years. So, it makes sense now to open the proverbial doors to the community and invite you to take part in #RealTimeChem’s future.
Hence, the launch today of the #RealTimeChem Ambassador program.
Program aims
The overall aim of the ambassador program is to promote and grow the #RealTimeChem community and providing a home for chemists on Twitter. This will be achieved by recruiting an inclusive and diverse range of chemists covering a whole range of chemistry subjects from across the entire world. It is envisaged that we will recruit up to 12 ambassadors with 2 from each continent (bar Antarctica).
Each ambassador will generate #RealTimeChem content based upon their everyday chemistry and experiences, but they will also find and promote chemistry within their local community and subject area by flagging it with the hashtag. Ambassadors will also be encouraged to engage with the community to generate discussions and build a supportive network.
Other opportunities for Ambassadors may include (but are not limited to):
running themed weeks where they will “take over” the @RealTimeChem feed.
chairing #RealTimeChem socials online.
promoting, running and taking part in #RealTimeChem Week events.
Interested? Here is how to apply.
If you would like to put yourself forward to be a #RealTimeChem Ambassador then please send your application via the following Google form:
A note about expectations: Please note that this is NOT a paid position. There is no external funding for #RealTimeChem, although it does often work with partners on events. Ambassadors will not be expected to spend a set amount of time working on #RealTimeChem, only what they can spare in their free time.
If there are any questions about the program or applying please either DM via @RealTimeChem on Twitter or email [email protected].
Doctor Galactic & The Lab Coat Cowboy 