Brit artist Damien Hirst (no relation to Geoff Hurst, of course) is well-known for his fascination with chemistry, his company is called Science, he opened a gallery cafe called Pharmacy, and he’s just completed an interview with the Royal Society of Chemistry in its latest effort to make the subject trendy among young people.
When asked what could be done to change perceptions of chemistry or to render the subject glamorous like forensic science or medicine. This is what he had to say…
“Hard to say but perhaps it’s something to do with how the subject is perceived by the kids through the media – I mean look at the medical and forensic shows that are on TV, however far from the truth. The fact that chemistry isn’t seen as an exciting subject at school, that it involves equations and other disciplines, etc. is also probably something to do with it. How is it taught ? What are its applications? In reality Chemistry is one of the sciences that shows us the building blocks of life. If that’s not exciting enough then what is?”
Having presented such a cogent argument, I really think he should stick to pickling cows.
Anyway, what’s the RSC doing separating forensic science from chemistry, as if 99% of what those guys do isn’t based on either straight analytical or bio-based work?
By the way, in case you’re wondering why the RSC is “interviewing” Mr Hirst, it’s because his latest artistic creation, a bronze statue depicting a pregnant woman, is in the forecourt of the organisation’s London office.