Fluorescence spectroscopy 'Lab in a Box' for second-year undergraduate students, distributed by Imperial College’s Department of Chemistry to the homes of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-2021, containing 1 mini fluorescence spectrometer, 1 plastic measuring cylinder, 4 disposable plastic beakers, 4 disposable plastic cuvettes, 4 disposable plastic pipettes, gloves, sample tubes and light proof cloth; mini spectrometer designed by Nick Brooks, built by Simon Turner, Elina Zalite and DeeJay Kistnah, experiment designed by Joshua Edel and Alex Ivanov and kit assembly and logistics by DeeJay Kistnah

In January 2021, the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College dispatched a Lab in a Box to their second year students across the globe. Using this kit, second year physical chemistry students, were learning how to measure fluorescence, the emissions of light by a substance, using a piece of laboratory kit known as a spectrometer. Fluorescence is used to detect and analyse organic compounds. Students were given samples of quinine and tonic water, to test at home. The kit was also designed to give students experience in optimising their instruments, in preparation for experiments.

The mini-spectrometer was made by Imperial College Department of Chemistry technicians, 3D printing elements on demand and assembling them to be shipped to their students. Equipment was scarce due to the COVID-19 pandemic and importing materials was difficult due to Brexit.

Students were expected to watch the introductory lectures, read the lab manuals, risk assessments and standard operation procedures to ensure they carried out their experiments safely at home. Staff were on hand via Microsoft Teams on the days students were conducting their experiments.

Once they had conducted their experiments and recorded their results, they submitted their work online. After they were finished with the kits, they returned as much as possible for re-use.