Meet Nappy Science Gang: Mark, the chemistry advisor
We asked some of the members in our first citizen science project – Nappy Science Gang (NSG) – to tell us about their experience of being involved in the project. Meet Mark:
Name: Mark
Occupation: Scientific Consultant
Highest science qualification: Chartered Scientist, Chartered Chemist
My NSG journey: I am a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Water Science Forum Committee. I am also a member of the RSC Inclusion and Diversity Committee. I am also one of the RSC 175 faces of chemistry. I have taken part in public outreach by providing public lectures on water science and treatment. I was also for many years the Treasurer of the Chemistry Section of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, now the British science association.
NSG has made me consider how we communicate often complex scientific information to people with no scientific background. How questions from non specialists can make you look at principles and theories in a different light. It has been enjoyable working and talking to its members.
Nappy Science Gang’s effects: NSG has been effective in trying to find out the scientific basis of claims and perceptions within the cloth nappy using world. By asking questions NSG has started to change advice and get advice based upon scientific principles. Members of NSG with no science training have understood quite complex chemical interactions, such as how oxygen based bleaching systems work within detergent formulations as well as what the different components of the formulation achieve. The NSG members have then become advocates in explaining these often complex interactions and principles to new members of the group.
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