About Us

Discover who we are, what we do and learn about our rich history in chemistry outreach, which spans over 100 years.

The Salters’ Institute has an international reach.

The Salters’ Institute is the flagship charity of the Salters’ Company. Chemistry has been our passion since we were founded in 1918. Since then, we have continued to promote excellence in the teaching and learning of chemistry and related sciences. We connect learners and educators to opportunities that transform their perception of chemistry, what it can do, how it shapes our lives and the career pathways it offers. Chemistry opens doors.

Through our digital and in-person outreach, we provide creative, fun and inspiring spaces to explore chemistry, discover its potential as a subject, and recognise those who are using chemistry to make the world a better place.

Meet the Education Team

Head of Education

Alistair Moore

Head of Education

Alistair Moore

Alistair joined the Salters’ Institute as Head of Education in 2026, having worked in the school science education sector for just over 20 years. This included 12 years at the University of York Science Education Group where he led research-informed projects with national impact to support science teaching and learning, including Best Evidence Science Teaching (BEST) and the development of the science curriculum for Oak National Academy. He has been a regular keynote speaker and panellist at national education conferences and teacher training events, a longstanding senior examiner, and a member of various committees at the learned societies.

Alistair leads the Education Team and the implementation of our Education Strategy across all the Institute’s programmes.

If you were an element from the periodic table, which one would you be and why?

Mg – Magnesium: A familiar presence in school science lessons, magnesium has been sparking young people’s interest in science for decades! It’s also an important catalyst in chemistry and biology, helping to drive positive change.

Education Team Lead

Janine Symonds

Education Team Lead

Janine Symonds

Janine has a PhD in Mathematical Biology and her research focussed on examining purine metabolism in leukaemic cells using mathematical modelling and biochemical techniques. She has extensive experience of leading STEM outreach initiatives and is passionate about exciting the next generation about the wonders and joy of science.

Janine manages the Festivals of Chemistry and Outreach Ambassador programmes, as well as supporting the broader work of the Institute.

If you were an element from the periodic table, which one would you be and why?

Fe – Iron: I am happy working behind the scenes, steadily getting things done. This is similar to iron which is found working in the background, whether it be buried inside concrete to reinforce its strength or silently carrying oxygen around the body as part of haemoglobin.

Education Programmes and EDI Lead

Daisy McConnell

Education Programmes and EDI Lead

Daisy McConnell

Daisy graduated in 2025 with a Masters degree in Chemistry. Her research project focused on the presence and effects of PFAS (per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances) chemicals in the environment. She is passionate about making science careers and education accessible for everyone, no matter their background.

Daisy runs the Awards and Chemistry Club programmes, and the social media for the Salters’ Institute.

If you were an element from the periodic table, which one would you be and why?

He – Helium: I like to think I get along with everybody – just like helium, which is unreactive, non-toxic and safe to be around. Helium is the second-lightest element and you can usually find me smiling or laughing!

To contact the team, email us at:

[email protected]

To contact the team, email us at:

[email protected]

Our Education Strategy

Our mission is to bring together students, educators, researchers and industry in the UK to improve access to high-quality chemistry education and understanding of the role of industrial chemistry.

This mission underpins our new 5 year strategy which was was developed in 2025.

Read our Education Strategy here.

Our strategy focusses on four areas of work:

Outreach to inspire young people in chemistry and raise awareness of careers available in the chemical industry
Awards and Alumni to celebrate and recognise the achievements of people studying or working in chemistry and the related sciences
Curriculum to promote excellence in the teaching and learning of chemistry
Partnership to foster new and existing partnerships with industrial and academic partners to further our aim of promoting chemistry

Our History

Learn about how the Salters' Institute has led on innovation within science education.

The Salters’ Institute is an independent registered charity and governed by a Board, which is Chaired by Dame Mary Archer DBE. The Institute is led by the Head of Education.

Dame Mary Archer DBE – Chair

Mr Ian Karet OBE

Dr Harsh Pershad

Mrs Alison Margary-Wade

Dr Jo Foster

Mr John Franklin

Mrs Dawn Wright

Mr James Handscombe OBE

Dr Alexandra Anghel

Lord Anthony Rockley – Master, Worshipful Company of Salters

Mr John Stebbing – Upper Warden, Worshipful Company of Salters

Mr Matthew Previte – Second Warden, Worshipful Company of Salters

Mr Johnny Nichols – Renter, Worshipful Company of Salters

Mr Tim Smith – Clerk, Worshipful Company of Salters

Mr Alistair Moore – Head of Education, Worshipful Company of Salters and Salters’ Institute

Explore our outreach programmes

Our sustainable talent pipeline encourages engagement with chemistry from a young age through to adulthood.

Chemistry Club

Chemistry Club is an innovative online learning platform for 11-14 year olds which sparks and nurtures an interest in chemistry through independent learning.

Festivals of Chemistry

The Salters’ Institute’s Festivals of Chemistry are aimed at 14-16 year olds. Our Festivals encourage learners to ‘Discover Chemistry’, explore the subject and see how it can be a pathway to many careers.

Awards Programme

Our awards programme recognises and celebrates excellence within chemistry and related sciences.

The Salters’ Institute is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity Number: 328463).