Over the past decade, the global public research agenda focused on finding paths to sustainable prosperity.
The chemical sciences will be central to advancing three dimensions of scientific research that will be essential to meeting this agenda.
It is important to have chemistry active and proactive, claiming our own space more. We shouldn’t be afraid to put our ideas and questions out there. We should be buoyant, confident and assert the unique value we bring.
Sustainability is a global priority and depends on chemistry, say two world-renowned scientists
Science Horizons research report
For science to fulfil its potential to answer fundamental questions, create solutions to global challenges, and contribute fully to sustainable prosperity, it needs to have the right environment. We have identified that curiosity, collaboration and leadership are essential enablers for science to best help society today and in the future.
These conclusions all came from Science Horizons, a Royal Society of Chemistry report into the direction, potential and needs of scientific research and development in the next 10-15 years, based on engagements with more than 750 leading scientists worldwide.
Breakthroughs are by nature not predictable or linear. You can’t programme them, but you can create environments that bring people together to exchange ideas and perspectives.
Science Horizons: Research Frontiers
Our first snapshot of that research, Science Horizons: Research Frontiers, explores the amazing developments in science – particularly the chemical sciences – that will play a significant role in delivering sustainable prosperity for humanity. It also highlights case studies of incredible frontier techniques that are propelling scientists into uncharted chemical territory, including ultrafast molecular cameras and instant bedside diagnostics.
Fundamental understanding at the molecular level and translation to function is where we have seen dramatic advances in the past decade which will only advance further over the next 5-10 years.
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