Thanks for the Support - From Hull Chemistry
Hello,
Thank you for signing and supporting this petition, and for any sharing that you have done. When we first started a petition against the closure of Chemistry in Hull, we expected a few dozen signatures from alumni and chemists in the local area.
Since then, we've quickly accumulated, in IUPAC's preferred unit, 1.5 kilosignatures (I would like to assure non-chemists who have decided to support us, that this is very funny...). We have been overwhelmed with the support locally and nationally, even internationally, against this decision.
Updates:
We have recently met with the decision-makers within the Faculty of Science. In this meeting, we have challenged the University on:
- Their financial figures: We contend that Chemistry is viable based on its research income, and the potential fees income if our viable MSc programmes (around 40 students) are restored,
- Their plans: We have presented alternate plans for Chemistry staff, which shows that this valuable (and difficult/expensive to replace) expertise can contribute to other degree programmes and research within the University, from data science to health to engineering,
- Their communications with students: Under the guise that decisions are 'not final', the University has put existing students in a difficult situation - the process should have been finalised before the start of teaching, or delayed until after a full academic year was taught out in full.
Again, thank you for the support in this matter. We believe Chemistry is an important subject for the university, the country and the future, and are pleased to see so many people agree.
Please continue to share this petition widely, and draw attention to problems in Higher Education brought about over the last decade or so.
Possibly more importantly, if you know anyone thinking of studying at university, please recommend Chemistry to them. Even if it discontinues at Hull, it will remain a challenging, rewarding and fantastic subject to study, with a prominent future.