Online Creative Writing lecturer is shortlisted for Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize
24 July 2026
Earlier this year, Falmouth’s award-winning BA(Hons) Creative Writing (Online) lecturer, science journalist and adventurer Kit Chapman released The Age of Alchemy: How Early Innovators Shaped Modern Chemistry.
Described by BBC History Magazine as a ‘globetrotting, time-travelling account of the roots of chemistry’ and ‘the most enjoyable introduction to alchemy I have ever read’ by Phil Ball (How Life Works), Kit’s newest release reveals the illuminating stories of how alchemists first broke new ground and shaped the scientific method. Taking readers on a global quest through time and continents to discover the untold history of chemistry, The Age of Alchemy recounts the shift from the magical to the scientific.
“All too often the history of science is told as a list of great men, almost always white Europeans, from the 18th century onward,” Kit shared, when asked what inspired the release. “I wanted to show science belongs to everyone, and it's only from the sweat and toil of thousands of men and women, from every country and strata of society, that we got to where we are today.”
Now, Kit’s exploration of the Stone Age leatherworkers, Tang Dynasty herbalists, Mayan stoneworkers and more has been shortlisted for this year’s Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize. Celebrating the best popular science writing from across the globe, Kit’s book is one of only six titles shortlisted.
“It feels absolutely bonkers to be shortlisted by the Royal Society,” Kit reflected. “To be joining names like Bill Bryson, Richard Dawkins, Michio Kaku, Brian Cox and Hannah Fry — this is the highest honour in my profession. I'm so grateful for the support I've had at Falmouth, particularly from Jennifer Young, David Devanny and the rest of the writing and journalism team.”
Mike Benton FRS, Chair of the Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize 2026 judging panel, said: “Each beautifully written, weaving the wonders of science with rich human stories, at times uplifting, at others heartbreaking, these six books prove that science writing can be just as compelling as any work of fiction.”
Writer and historian Subhadra Das, one of this year’s judges, added how The Age of Alchemy is “a fun and engaging reminder that science has always been a global endeavour.” She shared: “There’s a sadly common notion that science is for everyone but not done by everyone; one great thing about this book is how it goes about correcting that mistake.”
The winner will be announced on 29 September 2026.
External links
Purchase your copy of The Age of Alchemy: How Early Innovators Shaped Modern Chemistry
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