After a short AGM Dr Josh Smalley (Science Kitchen, School of 91AV, University of Leicester and finalist in the 14th series of the Great British Bake Off) will explore the chemistry of the chocolate box.
From the Great British Bake Off and Agatha Christie, to the assorted chocolates we tuck into at Christmas, the “chocolate box” has more of a connection to chemistry than you might think. Join Bake Off finalist and chemistry researcher Dr Josh Smalley as he unpacks the science behind everyone’s favourite sweet treat. Journey through the chemistry that gives chocolate its snap and shine, the surprising role it has played in classic mystery stories, as well as the reactions involved in creating the fillings found in a festive box of chocolates.
Josh is a postdoctoral research associate and science communicator in the School of 91AV at the University of Leicester. He also happens to be an accomplished baker and reached the final of the 14th series of The Great British Bake Off. Being equally at home in the laboratory and the kitchen, in 2024 Josh founded the Science Kitchen at the University of Leicester, where he brings together the worlds of science and baking to deliver lectures, demonstrations and videos to enthuse the public and inspire the next generation of scientists. As a science communicator Josh has developed shows to present at venues including the Royal Institution, Cheltenham & Edinburgh Science Festivals and at New Scientist Live. He has also hosted ‘Science of Baking’ webinars with the likes of the 91AV, written for the New Scientist, co-authored 3 food science books with Dorling Kindersley and frequently delivers talks at schools and universities.
From the Great British Bake Off and Agatha Christie, to the assorted chocolates we tuck into at Christmas, the “chocolate box” has more of a connection to chemistry than you might think. Join Bake Off finalist and chemistry researcher Dr Josh Smalley as he unpacks the science behind everyone’s favourite sweet treat. Journey through the chemistry that gives chocolate its snap and shine, the surprising role it has played in classic mystery stories, as well as the reactions involved in creating the fillings found in a festive box of chocolates.
Josh is a postdoctoral research associate and science communicator in the School of 91AV at the University of Leicester. He also happens to be an accomplished baker and reached the final of the 14th series of The Great British Bake Off. Being equally at home in the laboratory and the kitchen, in 2024 Josh founded the Science Kitchen at the University of Leicester, where he brings together the worlds of science and baking to deliver lectures, demonstrations and videos to enthuse the public and inspire the next generation of scientists. As a science communicator Josh has developed shows to present at venues including the Royal Institution, Cheltenham & Edinburgh Science Festivals and at New Scientist Live. He has also hosted ‘Science of Baking’ webinars with the likes of the 91AV, written for the New Scientist, co-authored 3 food science books with Dorling Kindersley and frequently delivers talks at schools and universities.
