University of Reading Proposes Closing Its Chemistry Department Next Year

The University of Reading is considering closing its chemistry department, which would make it the third UK institution to do so this year. The proposed closure has sparked concerns among staff and students, who argue that it would limit resources and funding for ongoing research and harm degree legitimacy. Under the plans, the university’s chemistry programs would be moved to the school of pharmacy, except for MSc and MChem programs, which would be closed for recruitment and taught out. The university’s Executive Board has also recommended ceasing support for chemistry research not aligned with allied health professions, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy.

Staff members have expressed frustration over what they see as an unfair decision, citing the department’s ranking of 34th in the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Wendy Brown, chair of the Heads of Chemistry UK group, has called the university’s comments about underperformance “quite alarming,” while Richard Catlow, an inorganic chemist at University College London, has warned that closing the chemistry department would be a “grave error.” The Royal Society of Chemistry has also expressed concerns over the proposed changes.

The Threat of Closure: University of Reading’s Chemistry Department Faces Uncertain Future

The University of Reading’s chemistry department is facing an uncertain future as the institution considers proposals to close the department from August 2025. This move would mark the third potential closure of a UK university chemistry department this year, following announcements by Aston University and the University of Hull earlier in 2024.

Underperformance Cited as Reason for Closure

The University of Reading’s administration has cited underperformance in the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Research Excellence Framework (REF) as reasons for considering closure. However, critics argue that these metrics do not provide a comprehensive picture of the department’s strengths and weaknesses. Wendy Brown, chair of the Heads of Chemistry UK group, notes that turning around NSS results takes multiple years, investment, and support from the university.

Concerns about Research and Teaching Excellence

The proposed changes to the chemistry programmes at the University of Reading have raised significant concerns among staff, students, and local employers of chemistry graduates. Richard Catlow, an inorganic chemist at University College London, believes that closing the department would be a “grave error” and that the university should instead work with the department to improve its REF performance. The Royal Society of Chemistry has also expressed concerns about the impact on chemical science programmes across the UK.

Impact on Students and Industry Partners

The closure of the chemistry department would likely lead to staff redundancies and difficulties in sustaining the teaching of chemistry degrees. Students are worried that the value of their degrees will be diminished, as they will be from a university without a chemistry department and with little chemistry-related research. Industry partners who work closely with the chemistry department are also concerned about the impact on the supply of skilled chemistry graduates.

A Vital Discipline Under Threat

Chemistry is an essential discipline for addressing global challenges, such as achieving net zero and sustainability goals. The Royal Society of Chemistry notes that the chemistry workforce is expected to grow at a faster rate than the economy as a whole over the next decade, but this will only be possible if universities continue to develop high-quality talent. Closing university chemistry programmes can have far-reaching consequences for other subjects and sectors reliant on both teaching and research output from these departments.

A Final Decision Looms

The University of Reading’s governing council is set to consider recommendations later in November regarding the future shape of chemistry at the institution. While no decisions have been taken yet, the outcome will have significant implications for the department, its staff and students, and the broader chemical science community.