Madeka Panchoo

Cosmetic Chemistry Connections is a new initiative launching on October 30 that has been set up to encourage young women from disadvantaged backgrounds to study chemistry at University.

We live in a beauty obsessed world which is ruled by advances in beauty products and treatments where not a week goes by without the launch of a
new anti-ageing cream or Botox treatment. Unfortunately this is not reflected in the classroom where girls trail behind boys in STEM (science, technology, engineering) subjects.

Cosmetic Chemistry Connections is the brainchild of Madeka Panchoo, Managing Director of 33 Boroughs Consultancy Ltd which specialises in corporate responsibility programmes. Working with Generating Genius, a charity, that works with high achieving students from disadvantaged communities, the programme aims to encourage girls aged 16+ from the BME (black and minority ethnic) community to pursue a career in chemistry. It is supported by brands such as L’Oreal, Fashion Fair Cosmetics and Yves Rocher.

“I am really excited to be working on such a positive project,” says Panchoo. “I feel very passionate about the aims of Cosmetic Chemistry Connections and its role in empowering young women and making them more confident about their skills in a science subject.”

Cosmetic Chemistry Connections will launch on Wednesday October 30th at Christ the King College in London with a pilot where 25 students will work
in a lab for one day to create their own beauty product and learn all about the chemistry processes involved. They will work on the life cycle of these products from lab to shelf and learn about the sustainability issues involved. They will work closely with cosmetic chemists, contract manufacturers, scientists and marketers who will be involved in the programme.

Subject to funding, the main programme will start in Spring 2014 with workshops looking at chemistry and hair products and colour cosmetics. The
programme will culminate with summer work placements, mentoring, interview preparation and personal presentation advice.

For more information please contact Madeka Panchoo at madeka.panchoo@33boroughs.com