Celebrating Chartered Week 2025
We celebrated Chartered Week 2025, a celebration of the people, organisations, and registrations that are raising the standards of competence and ethics across society.
Chartered Week is a new national awareness week. It brings together people and organisations across sectors to recognise the work of professionals whose conduct and commitment help to strengthen public confidence in their sector. This inaugural week ran from 24 to 28 February, with the theme Celebrating Trusted Professionals. It was a chance to highlight the value of registration and the impact it has on careers and to recognise the dedication, integrity, and expertise of our registrants, who commit to continuing professional development.
Professor Della Freeth, Chief Executive of the Science Council, said:
‘As independent recognition of someone’s skills and experience, professional registration helps employers identify the people they need. Not only does it demonstrate their competence, it shows they are committed to the highest level of professional and ethical conduct – that they are willing to go the extra mile to be the best they can be.
‘In partnership with our Members, Registrants and employer partners, we constantly review and refine our standards, code of conduct and CPD requirements. That helps us make sure they are in line with the needs of professionals, industry and society.
‘Our CPD standards are particularly important, as they remind and support Registrants to keep learning and developing their professional practice. Given the rapid and significant changes to our climate and planet, every science professional needs to be constantly developing, and we hope we can help them with that.’
Throughout the week, we showcased our talented community and our registration pathways.
Chartered Scientists Dr Swaroop Chakraborty and Dr Leandro Tanure share their stories and serve as inspiration for others to follow in their professional footsteps.
Dr Swaroop Chakraborty, NERC Independent Research Fellow
Register: CSci
Professional Body: Royal Society of Chemistry, Royal Society of Biology, and Society of the Environment
Can you tell us a bit about your work and what you do?
I am an environmental nanoscientist specialising in the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) development of nanomaterials, particularly Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), carbon dots, and nanocomposites. My research focuses on understanding their transformations in environmental and biological systems, including dissolution, agglomeration, and surface modifications, which directly influence their safety and functionality. I use advanced analytical techniques such as single-cell ICP-MS and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to track these transformations and assess their implications for toxicity and environmental persistence. By integrating SSbD principles, my work aims to guide the development of nanomaterials that balance performance with safety, ensuring their responsible use in future technologies.
What has been one of the most exciting projects or achievements in your career as a Chartered Scientist, Chartered Chemist and Chartered Environmentalist?
One of my most exciting achievements has been securing a NERC Independent Research Fellowship, enabling me to lead pioneering research on the environmental transformations of MOFs. A key highlight has been my recent Nature Reviews Materials paper, where I critically discussed the importance of understanding MOFs transformation, linking this fundamental process to Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles. This work highlights the importance of tailoring MOFs properties to ensure safety and wider industrial adoption.
Why do you believe professional standards are essential for advancing science and maintaining public trust?
Professional standards are crucial for ensuring scientific integrity, reproducibility, and ethical responsibility. In fields such as nanotechnology and environmental science, where research can directly influence public health and policy, adhering to rigorous standards builds trust in scientific findings. Being a Chartered Scientist, Chemist, and Environmentalist signifies a commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability. These standards promote interdisciplinary collaboration, align methodologies, and enhance data transparency. By upholding professional standards, scientists contribute to informed policymaking and public confidence, ensuring that research is conducted responsibly for the benefit of society and the environment.
What is a key benefit you’ve experienced as a result of achieving professional registration?
Achieving professional registration has greatly enhanced my credibility as a researcher, particularly in securing funding and engaging with industry and academics. It demonstrates my commitment to maintaining the highest scientific and ethical standards, which has been invaluable in establishing partnerships and influencing discussions on nanomaterial safety and sustainability. Additionally, my professional registrations have provided access to a strong network of experts, fostering multidisciplinary collaborations and career development opportunities. This has allowed me to contribute to shaping the future of safe and sustainable nanotechnologies on both scientific and regulatory fronts.
What advice would you give to a young scientist aspiring to achieve professional registration in the future?
Begin by actively engaging with professional societies and building a well-rounded portfolio that highlights technical expertise, ethical responsibility, and leadership. Seek mentors who have achieved professional registration and can provide guidance on the process. Keep a detailed record of your contributions to research, publications, grant management, and professional development. Emphasise interdisciplinary collaboration and the real-world impact of your work, particularly in areas such as Safe and Sustainable by Design, as these aspects are increasingly valued. Finally, commit to lifelong learning—continuing professional development is key to maintaining registration and staying at the forefront of your field.
Dr Leandro Tanure CEng CSci MIMMM, Senior Materials Engineer
Register: CSci
Professional Body: Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3)
Can you tell us a bit about your work and what you do?
As a Senior Materials Engineer at Oxford Sigma, part of my job involves material selection for nuclear fusion applications. With a PhD in tungsten, my work focuses on plasma-facing components and physical metallurgy. I advise both the company and clients on optimal material choices, considering material properties and how they can be tailored for specific fusion device environments.
What has been one of the most exciting projects or achievements in your career as a Chartered Scientist?
I have just achieved Chartered Scientist status after living in the UK for two and a half years. I’m looking forward to what this achievement will bring and the doors it will open.
Why do you believe professional standards are essential for advancing science and maintaining public trust?
Professional standards are crucial for upholding the highest scientific, professional, and ethical standards in scientific development. While the public may not grasp the technical details of every advancement, they deserve accessible information and assurance that all scientific endeavours are conducted with rigor, respect, and ethical considerations for society.
What is a key benefit you’ve experienced as a result of achieving professional registration?
Since achieving Chartered Scientist status, I’ve observed increased trust in my abilities and competence as a highly skilled engineer, even from those unfamiliar with me or my work. This credential seems to convey a strong sense of professional and ethical standards.
What advice would you give to a young scientist aspiring to achieve professional registration in the future?
Professional registration provides valuable recognition of your work, not just among peers but also by the wider community. It serves as a mark of quality, demonstrating your commitment to high standards and ethical practice.