Foreword Free

At the point in time this book is published, we are proud to say that the President, President-Elect, Honorary Treasurer and the Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry are all women. We are all chemists with careers spanning over 30 years, in academia, industry, business and the professional body sector, and have all been members of the RSC since our student days. It is hard to imagine that there was a time when women were not welcomed as members of our own learned society, and even harder to comprehend that there were Fellows who actively opposed such a move.

For each of us, our own careers have been supported by individuals who have believed in our ability to succeed, encouraged us to pursue new opportunities and championed our achievements.

The role of supportive male allies in all of our careers is evident, as is the role of the pioneering women chemists who demonstrated great tenacity and perseverance to break down the barriers put in front of them. Without these men and women who have gone before us, chemistry in the UK would not have achieved the international recognition that it enjoys today.

We congratulate Geoff and Marelene Rayner-Canham for continuing their exploration into the past lives of women in chemistry and for the inspiring stories around them.

Dr Helen Pain MBE CSci CChem FRSC

Chief Executive

Professor Gill Reid CChem FRSC FRSE

President 2022–2024

Dr Annette Doherty OBE FRSC

President-Elect 2022–2024

Claire Gallery-Strong CSci CChem FRSC

Honorary Treasurer, retires 2025