Students from All Saints Catholic High School and Astrea Academy Sheffield explored the wonders of chemistry and scientific discovery at the University of Sheffield's annual Buckyball Workshop, a hands-on science day inspired by the legacy of Nobel Prize-winning alumnus Professor Sir Harry Kroto.
The event, delivered by the Access Service, welcomed 50 pupils to campus for a day of interactive activities designed to build confidence in science and introduce young people to university life. Students took part in workshops exploring scientific scale, built their own Buckyball models, and enjoyed a chemistry session led by University staff and postgraduate researchers.
Lucy Scheinkonig, Access Officer, said: “It was so great to welcome Year 7 pupils on campus and run a variety of science practical workshops delivered by current PhD chemistry students. The pupils then went on to have a campus tour and ended the day in a science lab with an incredible bubbles workshop delivered by chemistry academic Dr Jonathan Foster. We received some lovely feedback with pupils leaving the event feeling inspired to progress to university in the future.”
The workshop is based on Sir Harry Kroto's discovery of Buckminsterfullerene – commonly known as the 'Buckyball' – a football-shaped carbon molecule that earned him the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Sir Harry studied Chemistry at the University of Sheffield before going on to become one of the world's most influential scientists and science communicators.
Throughout his career, Sir Harry was passionate about inspiring young people through science. Following his Nobel Prize-winning discovery, he developed the Buckyball workshops and delivered them around the world, helping thousands of children engage with scientific concepts through hands-on learning.
The University of Sheffield continues to deliver the workshops as part of Sir Harry's educational legacy, ensuring new generations of young people can experience the same excitement for discovery that defined his career.
Lady Margaret Kroto, Sheffield alumna and widow of Sir Harry Kroto, remains a strong supporter of the University's efforts to continue Harry's educational legacy.
“Harry would have been delighted to see that these workshops have continued at Sheffield. As a scientist and a teacher Harry was always looking for ways in which to inspire young people to develop the same fascination for science he had.”
The workshops are made possible through the continuing support of the Kroto family and their philanthropic commitment to science education. Sir Harry’s passion for widening access to science continues through outreach activities that encourage young people from all backgrounds to explore STEM subjects and consider future careers in science and engineering.