AstraZeneca’s Macclesfield Campus has been awarded a prestigious Blue Plaque by the Royal Society of Chemistry in recognition of a contribution of almost sixty years to science and medicine.

Sarah Dayre, Macclesfield Campus Lead, said: “ We are so proud to receive this award from the Royal Society of Chemistry. It is a true recognition of the incredible work of the thousands of dedicated people who have passed through our Campus working in the service of science and patients across the world – and the 5,000 employees who still do.” “It’s fantastic that we have received this honour in the year we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of the merger of the then Zeneca with the Swedish company Astra, to form AstraZeneca.”

Helen Pain, CEO of the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “ It’s a great pleasure to share in this celebration of the enormous achievements of chemical scientists at the AstraZeneca Macclesfield Campus. Events like this one are a rare chance to pause and reflect on our shared history, celebrating the vital contributions that chemical scientists have made to our society.”

The Blue Plaque was awarded to AZ in a ceremony held last week. Former AZ employees as well as current graduates and apprentices and RSC-affiliated colleagues from across the Campus were joined by local dignitaries, and representatives from AZ’s local charity partners – the East Cheshire Hospice and the Silklife foodbank.

The event also looked forward to the future, with pupils from Hurdsfield Primary School attending. Also present were pupil’s representing a group of nine schools who AZ partner with to further the awareness of STEM careers in the North West.