25 Oct 2013
In 1943 Dr William Cullen, then president of SCI, suggested the inauguration of a series of sponsored lectures. These would be in memory of those who had contributed greatly to the development of the chemical industry in the UK.
During the year Dr Cullen visited the Liverpool Regional Group to announce the start of an endowed lecture in the region in memory of Viscount Leverhulme (1851 – 1925) the founder of Port Sunlight and Unilever (more information).
These lectures have continued, roughly every three years, ever since, and we have hosted many speakers including Sir Charles Dodds (leading cancer specialist) and Prof Sir George Porter (chemistry in micro-time).
This year's Leverhulme Lecture was held in the magnificent Chester Town Hall and we welcomed Dame Susan Ion who spoke on 'Generating the Future,' ie where the UK's energy is likely to come from in the future. It was an excellent, fascinating and stimulating talk generating many questions immediately after and over a meal.
Alas, there is no silver bullet to supply the UK's future energy demands, and we will need to change our attitude to power in the future so as to reduce our reliance on gas in particular. Our thanks to Dame Sue Ion for such a great talk.
At the same time the Liverpool and North West Group gave out its annual prizes to outstanding students in the region. For the first time Chester University was included, and were glad to welcome the Deputy Lord Mayor for Chester to present that particular prize. Dame Susan Ion presented the others. It was a proud moment for all award winners and their parents when they came onto the stage to receive their awards.
Committee members received thanks from many people for organising such a great event and for facilitating networking, which worked especially well. We are only sorry that we have to wait three years for the next one.
Dr Trevor Rhodes
Deputy Chair, Liverpool and NW Region.
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