# The Royal Society of Chemistry Urges UK Government to Act on Science Education and Sustainability
The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has called on the UK government to focus on funding for science education and a sustainable chemicals and materials industry. This request is part of the organisation’s **submission to the Treasury’s funding review**, which will determine the government’s financial priorities for the upcoming three years.
## Chemistry Education in Jeopardy
The RSC’s plea follows a concerning trend of **closures in university chemistry departments and cuts in teaching and research capabilities**. These challenges have sparked worries about the future of chemistry education and research, crucial sectors that foster innovation in the UK.
With the government expected to unveil the second phase of its **funding review in late spring 2025**, the RSC has put forward essential suggestions:
– **Sustained support for research** to uphold the UK’s leadership in global innovation.
– **Updating the chemistry curriculum** to ensure students acquire vital knowledge and skills.
– **Funding for sustainable chemistry and the circular economy** to promote environmentally friendly approaches in the field.
## The Role of Chemistry in Economic Development
The significance of chemistry to the UK’s **economic and technological prospects** is immense. The RSC’s **head of policy and evidence, Tanya Sheridan**, stressed that **chemistry is crucial for innovation, especially in sectors like engineering biology and materials science**.
“To realize its full potential, the government must increase R&D funding, foster international partnerships, draw in leading talent, and make sure our workforce possesses the right skills,” Sheridan remarked.
## A Pivotal Moment for Chemistry Education
With **curriculum reviews currently being conducted throughout the UK**, education professionals view this as a rare chance to reform chemistry education for future demands.
**Laura Daly, education programme manager at the RSC**, underscored the necessity for an enhanced curriculum that provides comprehensive **knowledge, technical skills, and transferable abilities**. She highlighted that chemistry education must confront **real-world problems** to prepare students for careers in the transforming chemical sectors.
## Encouraging Public Advocacy
To bolster its argument, the RSC is urging **members and advocates to reach out to their MPs**, promoting a stronger emphasis on investment in higher education and technical expertise. The organisation is convinced that government intervention in this area will **secure the sustainability and competitiveness of the UK’s chemical sciences sector**.
As the UK government gears up for its next funding review, the future of chemistry education and sustainable industry growth remains a pressing concern. The RSC’s recommendations underline the critical need for ongoing investment to protect the nation’s scientific and industrial advancement.