The History of SCI

SCI was formed in 1881 by prominent scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs of their day, who went on to form the products, processes and companies that propelled society forward brining benefits across health, food and new medicines.

The importance of chemistry and chemists

Chemistry is ubiquitous and underpinning. Everything is derived from the elements in the periodic table and so without chemistry, there would be no life.

Chemists are highly skilled scientists. They use the elements, in particular carbon, to design and build molecular structures that deliver new products and new functionality for society. These molecular structures cannot be seen by the naked eye but are often highly complex, making chemists the molecular architects of today.

Carbon has a unique role as it is the building block for most things, including biological structures, such as human beings. Without carbon there is no life.

A brief history of SCI

Timeline

SCI History Timeline

SCI is a global network of innovators, formed in 1881 by prominent scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs of their day, who went on to form the companies, processes and products that have propelled society forward ever since. At its centre an active community provide a melting pot of ideas that support and grow the scientific sector for the good of society. SCI’s work spans across a diverse range of areas including agrisciences, colloid and surface chemistry, construction materials, electrochemical technology, AI and digitalisation, fine chemicals and innovation.

Our knowledge and innovation network includes leading content on our website soci.org, blog, Chemistry and Industry Magazine (C&I), a variety of Journals, and we run over 200 conferences a year online and at our prestigious building in Belgravia.

We foster innovation and accelerate the commercialisation of science, read more about our history here.

Members who changed the world

Henry E Armstrong

Henry E Armstrong

Henry Armstrong's work was centred on chemistry education within engineering schools, and through it he came to be recognised as a founding father of chemical engineering. He played an important part in establishing the SCI Process Engineering Group.

Read his full biog