UK science department abolished & Ireland's crumbling concrete | The chemical breakdown podcast episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 19, 2026 · 31 MIN

UK science department abolished & Ireland's crumbling concrete | The chemical breakdown podcast

from Chemistry in its element

In this episode, we discuss the changes to science policy made by the new UK prime minister and breakdown the chemistry behind crumbling concrete in Ireland. On July 21, new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham abolished the government's department of science and absorbing its functions into the business department. What does this mean for UK research?  And, thousands of Irish buildings are cracking apart, but the culprit may not be what scientists first thought. We discuss the mica crisis and the chemistry behind it.   Main stories: https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/science-department-abolished-as-uks-new-prime-minister-andy-burnham-appoints-first-cabinet/4023895.article https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/why-are-buildings-cracking-up-in-ireland/4023916.article   Headlines: https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/chemistry-can-feel-inaccessible-to-british-asian-students-survey-finds/4024036.article https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/step-forward-for-car-t-therapy-as-it-shows-promise-in-solid-bladder-tumours/4024034.article https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/uranium-complex-smashes-record-for-consecutive-bonds-between-atoms/4024012.article https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/organisations-cant-solve-a-problem-they-cant-measure-industry-framework-aims-to-improve-chemical-hazard-monitoring/4024049.article

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 19, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

UK science department abolished & Ireland's crumbling concrete | The chemical breakdown podcast

0:00 31:24

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Chemistry in its element?

This episode is 31 minutes long.

When was this Chemistry in its element episode published?

This episode was published on August 19, 2026.

Can I download this Chemistry in its element episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!