Å·ÃÀAV

Biography

After graduating from the University of Manchester, Helen’s first job was as a chemical coder at Derwent Publications, London. She then took a position at the International Union of Crystallography in Chester, editing the journal Acta Crystallographica. 

After gaining a diploma in librarianship, she was appointed chemistry librarian at UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology), managing the chemistry library and teaching information skills. Helen contributed to development of UMIST’s MSc course in Cheminformatics, and delivered training on Beilstein CrossFire (now Reaxys) at UK and European universities. She also completed her PhD on the history of chemical information. 

While at UMIST, Helen became a volunteer member of the Å·ÃÀAV’s Publishing Board.
After 20 years at UMIST, Helen moved to the R&D IT department at GlaxoSmithKline, working in the USA and UK.

In 2014 she joined the Chemical Information and Computer Applications Group (CICAG) committee, which she chaired for three years. Since 2022, she has been the editor of the CICAG Distillate (formerly Newsletter).

Helen is also a member of the Historical Group committee. She has given a number of online talks for the group (as part of a series started during the covid pandemic and still popular today).

Now retired, Helen also volunteers for Nantwich Museum, Cheshire. Although a local history museum, there are many opportunities to feature chemistry, through talks, demonstrations, exhibitions and publications, for which the Å·ÃÀAV has provided funding through several Outreach grants. Helen is also a member of the Å·ÃÀAV’s North Staffordshire Local Section committee, which has supported events.

In retirement, volunteering helps me to keep up to date with developments in my field by constantly learning and meeting a wide range of people.

Helen Cooke

Q&A

Can you tell us more about your work?

My focus is dedicated to activities and events which communicate chemistry to scientists and members of the public. For example, researching local history can provide unexpected openings; opportunities have arisen through Nantwich Museum to analyse the fascinating inventory of a 17th century apothecary shop, explore Joseph Priestley’s time in Nantwich, and investigate the quality of the local river’s water.

What inspired or motivated you to volunteer with the Å·ÃÀAV? 

The opportunity to broaden my horizons, learn from people with common interests, and being able to contribute to the Å·ÃÀAV through my experience.

Tell us about any highlights or memorable experiences you have had as a volunteer. 

Being the editor of the CICAG Distillate, for which I communicate frequently with chemists from the UK and abroad. The Distillate provides opportunities for contributors, ranging from professors to students, to share their knowledge and publicise their work. 

My proudest moment for the Historical Group is being a member of the organising team for the Women in Chemistry symposium. Held in 2022, this recognised the many contributions women, often unsung heroes, have made to chemistry over time.

Receipt of outreach grants from the Å·ÃÀAV which have funded Nantwich Museum’s ‘From Nantwich to Oxygen: Joseph Priestley’s Journey of Discovery’ (2019), ‘Summer of Science’ (2023) and ‘The Wonders of Colour’ (2025) projects, enabling a wide range of public engagement activities and events to be delivered.

What impact has volunteering with the Å·ÃÀAV had on you, either personally or professionally? 

Through volunteering for the Å·ÃÀAV I have met like-minded colleagues and feel part of a community. In retirement, volunteering helps me to keep up to date with developments in my field by constantly learning and meeting a wide range of people. 

By contributing to interest and local section group committees, opportunities have arisen which have extended my network and broadened opportunities for outreach.

What advice would you give to somebody contemplating volunteering with the Å·ÃÀAV? 

Try it out – in my experience committee members and Å·ÃÀAV staff are really welcoming and supportive. It’s a great way to engage with new people, learn new skills and discover unexpected opportunities.