Dr Josh Smalley

Chemistry Researcher & Science Communicator

I am a researcher in organic chemistry, where spend my day working in a chemistry lab performing reactions and synthesising compounds, a lot of which are novel compounds and so have never been made before.

My current work is on the synthesis of new materials which could acts a mimics of the native peptides (chains of amino acids) found in the cells in our body. By mimicking, I want my materials to fold up and function in a similar way to natural peptides, but to overcome some of their limitations. By doing this, these new materials could be used to investigate and control biological processes, and have the potential to be used in the discovery of new drugs.

I also love to experiment in the kitchen too, blending my culinary creations with a unique understanding of the chemistry behind them. I was finalist of the Great British Bake-Off in 2023 and I now combine my research with a role as a science communicator, bringing together the worlds of science and baking and delivering a lot of this content from my very own Science Kitchen at the University of Leicester.
I love being a scientist because...

I get to combine my two great passions, chemistry and baking!

The most awesome thing I have done so far is...

Either the Great British Bake Off (which was the best experience ever) or opening my own Science Kitchen!

My heroes are...

My A level chemistry teacher who exuded a passion for chemistry, as well as Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and the incredible work she has done as a science educator.

Advice I would give my 7 year old self...

Do what you enjoy and follow your passions.

At primary school my favourite thing to do was...

Anything where I could be creative! Which has continued to present day, I love to experiment and try new things.