Last term, the Chemistry Society was delighted to welcome Old Aylesburian James Stones (Paterson '89) back to school to share his career journey with current students.

After leaving AGS in 1989, James went on to study Chemistry at Imperial College London before pursuing a career in intellectual property. He is now Head of the Chemistry Team at Beck Greener, a leading firm of patent and trade mark attorneys, where he works with clients to secure, protect and defend patents across a wide range of chemistry-related technologies.

During his visit, James provided students with a fascinating insight into a career pathway that many had not previously considered. While Chemistry is often associated with professions such as medicine, research, pharmaceuticals and teaching, his presentation demonstrated how scientific expertise can also play a vital role in the world of intellectual property and patent law.

Students gained a valuable understanding of how a strong scientific background can be combined with legal and commercial knowledge to help innovators protect their ideas and bring new technologies to market. His talk challenged students to think beyond traditional career routes and broadened their awareness of the diverse opportunities available to those studying Chemistry.

James's journey from AGS student to a senior professional in the patent sector is an excellent example of how scientific qualifications can open doors to unexpected and highly influential careers. We are grateful to James for taking the time to return to AGS and share his experiences, and we hope his visit inspired students to explore the many possibilities that a Chemistry education can offer.