Onscreen chemistry: The portrayal of chemical science in film and TV

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Join us 14 February 2025 to discover the real-life chemistry that inspires the art of the silver screen

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14 February 2025, 12.00 GMT

In this hour-long, interactive webinar, you will hear from author John O’Donoghue as he talks about his new book Onscreen chemistry: The portrayal of chemical science in film and TV. Delve into the depths of this intertwining and ever-evolving story as art imitates life and investigate the role chemistry has played in the history of moving pictures. You’ll have the chance to hear about fictional and real-life chemists as we investigate the origins of the ‘mad scientist’ image. By joining this webinar you will learn about the good, the bad and the ugly as John explores the unique duality of chemistry.

Register now to discover the real-life chemistry that inspires the art of film-making, and the impact entertainment can have on our perception of chemistry in the real-world.

Please note: Closed captions (subtitles in English) are available on this webinar.

Meet the author

Portrait headshot of John O'Donoghue

John O’Donoghue

Dr John O’Donoghue is an award-winning science communicator and chemistry education researcher based at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland where he coordinates the science communication training for PhD students. John also works closely with the Royal Society of Chemistry where he has developed several popular resources for schools and provides professional development for science teachers. John regularly appears on radio to discuss scientific discoveries and has acted as a chemistry consultant for television productions. A lifelong movie buff, John’s new book combines his love of the silver screen with his professional background.

About the book

Cover of John O'Donoghue's RSC book Onscreen Chemisry showing show reels and film projector on dark background

From Transylvania and Chernobyl to colourful glassware and meth makers, explore the fascinating world of the big and small screen through a chemist’s eye as cinema and television are passed under the microscope. Discover the real-life chemistry that inspires the art, and the impact entertainment can have on our perception of chemistry in the real-world. Delve into the depths of this intertwining story as art imitates life and investigate the role chemistry has played in the history of moving pictures. Connect with fictional and real-life chemists to investigate the origins of the ‘mad scientist’ image.

Are chemists always portrayed as relentless in their quest, like Sidney Stratton (Alec Guinness) creating a bright, stain proof, nigh-on Indestructible fabric in The Man in the White Suit? Is there any real-world basis for Emma Russell’s (Elisabeth Shue) formula for cold fusion in The Saint. Are the dangers and risks of forever chemicals accurately portrayed in Dark Waters? What does Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) teach us about cooking and baking through her Lessons in Chemistry? And, of course, did Walter White’s (Bryan Cranston) switch from teaching to narcotics in Breaking Bad influence the real-world image of chemistry teachers? Uncover the facts and fiction in these and many more with Onscreen Chemistry.

The book is published in the UK on 12th February 2025 and is available to order here.