A funny thing happened on the way to the lab

Two University of Swansea chemistry researchers have a mission - to convince people that science can be fun. For the past 10 years they have been delivering a fast-paced presentation that tells students all about photochemistry, but looks like pyrotechnics.

Science is the subject that students love to hate but Dr Peter Douglas and Professor Andrew Mills are trying to break down this prejudice by making the learning process exciting not excruciating. "For me science is a delight," explains Douglas. "If you can share that, it's a really great feeling. Both Andrew and I get a great deal of pleasure out of doing the experiments." It's not just about fun, he adds. "It's also spectacular."

The two established their performing alliance when they were working on doctorates in chemistry at the Royal Institution of Great Britain in London, where the famous Christmas lectures are given. Both are photochemists and both worked with the Nobel Laureate at the Institution, Lord Porter, who was keen on the public understanding of science.

"There was an ethos at the Royal Institution of the promotion of science for children and the general public," says Douglas. "It seemed to me that demonstrations are the most effective way to get people interested in science."

The two put together a programme and began making presentations, not for profit but for the love of the science behind the experiments. They receive grants from the British government, from the University of Swansea and a contribution is made by the group inviting them to make a presentation. "We break even," says Douglas.

The pair do between four and six shows a year. Bits are constantly being added or adjusted when new material comes to hand. Their demonstrations explain topics such as photoluminescence so a trip to the toy store provided them with a doll with light sensitive hair.

They make liberal use of fireworks and the first half of the programme will take place in a darkened auditorium so that the photochemical reactions can be shown to greatest effect. They then launch into a series of experiments that show how light can be generated electrically, thermally and chemically.

Answers will be given to explain why some materials and dyes glow in the dark and why some washing powders make you light up at the disco. There is a more serious side too when they explain how the science of photochemistry contributes to medicine, communications, electronics and photography.

A new part of the programme explains how simple sunlight can be used to purify water supplies, representing an inexpensive way to provide safe drinking water for isolated Third World communities. The presenters will also show how the sun can provide a powerful fuel source which in turn allows them to launch a rocket to mark the end of the programme.

"Science is about experimenting with the world," says Peter Douglas. It's much more effective to do this with actions rather than simply with words, he says. "When you are doing the lecture you are a performer. When you're putting it together you are a researcher and a teacher."

The Irish Times/RDS Science Today biannual lectures represent a commitment to enhancing the public understanding of science. The spring lecture is a formal presentation by a renowned scientist on issues of public importance. The autumn lecture is a demonstration presentation particularly suited to second level students.

This autumn's presentation, Photochemistry in Action takes place on Tuesday, November 10th, in the RDS, Dublin. All tickets have been sold and booking has now closed.