Sykes-Farmer Science Society Magazine 2025 out now
Celebrating curiosity and scientific discovery, the Sykes-Farmer Science Society proudly announces the launch of its latest student-authored magazine. The magazine is a collection of articles written by students who have given presentations between Science weeks 2024 and 2025, and was proudly launched by this year’s presidents Alex and Amy.
Dr Andrew Szydlo, Fellow of The Royal Society of Chemists and recent speaker at Eltham College, commented on the magazine:
‘I was most impressed by not only the high quality of writing and the wide range of scientific topics covered but above all, your great enthusiasm for scientific enquiry and an appreciation of the role of science in society.’
The Sykes-Farmer Science Society stands as a testament to the high academic standards and intellectual rigour embraced by our Sixth Formers. Each week, students delve into scientific topics that ignite their curiosity, presenting their findings to peers who share their enthusiasm. Topics this year have ranged from aircraft wing design, to poisons and venoms and to mechanically interlocked molecules. These sessions are not just about sharing knowledge but also about engaging in thoughtful discussions, with well-prepared questions that challenge and inspire further inquiry. Held every Wednesday at 4pm in S12, this society is a celebration of scientific passion, bringing together students and teachers from all three scientific disciplines.
The name of the magazine comes from two highly eminent scientists who are also Old Elthamian’s:
Brian Sykes was a renowned British geneticist and author, best known for his groundbreaking work in human genetics. He was a professor at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of Wolfson College. Sykes gained widespread recognition for his book “The Seven Daughters of Eve,” which explores the genetic ancestry of Europeans through mitochondrial DNA. Reliably extracting DNA from fossil bone, his research provided fascinating insights into human history and prehistory, making complex genetic concepts accessible to a broad audience. Sykes’ work has left a lasting impact on the study of genetics and our understanding of human evolution.
Sir Frank Farmer was a pioneering English physicist whose work significantly advanced the field of medical physics. Born in 1912, he made notable contributions to cancer treatment through his innovations in radiotherapy. One of his most impactful inventions was the Farmer dosimeter, a device used to measure radiation doses accurately, which became a standard tool in hospitals worldwide. Throughout his career, Farmer was dedicated to improving the practical applications of physics in medicine, helping to enhance the safety and effectiveness of radiotherapy treatments. His legacy continues to influence the field of medical physics today.
Read the magazine here: 2025 Sykes-Farmer Magazine
