Invitation to a Special Lecture
New capabilities for improved health through chemistry
We would also like to invite you to attend a special lecture, preceding the AGM at 17.00 (UK time) by Professor Duncan Graham CChem FRSC FRSE, Associate Principal and Executive Dean of Science at University of Strathclyde.
Chemistry has long contributed to improved healthcare through various avenues, including the discovery of new medicines and the development of biocompatible materials for implants. More recently, the role of chemistry in producing innovative diagnostic methodologies has gained increased visibility—particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted how rapid diagnostic tests can play a critical role in public health. This talk will cover two areas of emerging diagnostic testing based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). In the first, a new lateral flow assay has been developed using SERS to detect a biomarker for drug-induced liver injury. The assay relies on precise control of nanoparticle chemistry to enable detection and delivers a quantitative response from clinical samples. A clinical trial is currently under way in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, with the aim of ultimately introducing this rapid, point-of-use test into routine clinical practice. The second area focuses on improving public health through a novel SERS-based test for detecting bacteria in food production environments. The test can identify fewer than 5 colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria in under five minutes at the point of use, offering a substantial improvement in turnaround time compared to existing approaches such as ELISA or PCR. These two diagnostic tools are progressing from the laboratory into the hands of end users and show strong potential to enhance human health through the deployment of innovative, chemistry-driven measurements.
All are welcome, and attendance will be possible both in person at Burlington House, and online using the same personal invitation link sent to you for the AGM.
Reception
Members attending in Burlington House are invited to a drinks reception at 6.45pm-7.30pm, where you can network with Trustees, RSC staff, and other members.