Zahra Khan
I completed my PhD in chemistry in 2023 at University College London (UCL) and A*STAR (Singapore). I have held positions in the university teaching faculty as well as research in gender-responsive policy before interning at Chemistry World. I have worked on corporate communications - writing blogs and newsletters as well as reference guides. I also have experience with copywriting on social media.
I am interested in science reporting and am passionate about sharing diverse voices in chemistry to a global audience, making the stories inclusive and accessible to all, and inspiring the next generation to pursue science.
I am particularly interested in materials chemistry, climate science and science policy.
OpinionObserving Cop28 with a gender lens
Avoid so-called climate solutions that disadvantage the most marginalised
CareersThe early-career engineer showcasing women in the chemical industry
Jordan Riddle explains how embracing change and extra curricular activities has benefited her work in chemical production
ResearchComputer program ‘paints’ porphyrin structures in the style of famous artist
Algorithm turns molecules’ structure into Mondrian-inspired representations
CareersInspiration on a surfboard and in the chemistry classroom
Sarah Gerhardt’s curiosity connects her passions for science, teaching and surfing
NewsElemental analysis under scrutiny again as competition raises accuracy questions
Doubts grow over the standard used by journals as competition highlights 26% failure rate with simple molecule
NewsIndian scheme to provide 300 research grants for women
The announcement made by India’s science and technology minister aims to foster more cross-disciplinary research
ResearchDimetallocene with two different metal centres synthesised for the first time
Molecule first theorised 20 years ago created in the lab
ResearchPorous organic ‘cage of cages’ crystalline structure predicted by computational modelling
Organic cages have been used as precursors to synthesise higher order porous structures, adding to their functionality while the ability to solution process them is retained.
ResearchElectrochemical acid–base reactions can be fine tuned to control reactivity
Two new parameters can offer tunability to a wide range of electrochemical reactions
ResearchFirst regular molecular fractal in nature
Scientists have identified a protein that has a fractal structure and find that it was simply an evolutionary accident
ResearchIntelligent ionotronic wood device can keep an eye on people’s health
Infusing wood with ionic liquid enables creation of electronic wood
ResearchNew ‘supermolecule’ demonstrated for the first time at record-breaking ultracold temperature
Largest polyatomic molecule created and stabilised at just above absolute zero provides new insights into quantum chemistry
NewsChina conducts nationwide audit of research misconduct after thousands of papers retracted
Universities must submit a comprehensive list of all retracted academic papers in the past three years along with reasons for the retractions
FeatureThe chemistry of love
There’s chemistry behind every step of a romantic relationship, from the initial spark to the pain of break up, as Zahra Khan discovers
NewsApproval of nuclear pilot plant that uses molten salt coolant instead of water a step towards safer reactors
Historic milestone reached as US grants permission for non-water cooled reactor for first time in 50 years
ResearchThermodynamically stable ‘plumber’s nightmare’ structure self-assembles from block copolymers
The crucial role of end group and linker chemistry enabled creation of the infamous structure, offering a new way to produce nanoscale architecture
NewsSelf-cleaning period product to be trialled in rural communities in Nepal
Sanitary pad is designed to kill virtually all bacteria under visible light and reduce the risk of reproductive and urinary tract infections
OpinionMaria Augusta Arruda: ‘Poetry is my refuge’
The Brazilian research leader on thinking differently and supporting Black researchers
NewsJapan unveils plans to breathe new life into its higher education institutions
Facing a demographic crisis, Japan is hoping to attract more international students and make it easier for them to live and work there