Credit:
Courtesy of Christina Bodurow
What defines a global grand challenge in chemistry? There are many ways to frame this question. For many, current global events draw one’s attention to political and economic challenges. Those situations directly impact the daily lives of countless scientists. But let’s dig a little bit deeper. What are some global grand challenges that directly impact chemistry and that chemists can significantly influence? These are not only problems to solve but opportunities to improve lives, safeguard our future for our children and grandchildren, and expand exploration of our world—and beyond.
How does the American Chemical Society and the chemistry community contribute to solutions to global challenges? Over the past 150 years, ACS members and staff have developed countless strategies to address society’s most pressing needs. As the central science, chemistry has led the way in tackling some of the toughest problems in human, animal, and plant health, the environment, food, and the industrialization of the world. Such progress requires integrity and ethics, and ACS has been a leader in developing and advocating for policies that protect science and scientists. Equally important, any progress toward solving these challenges depends on the knowledge, education, and training of the workforce. Again, ACS has played a critical role in developing the talents required for chemists to lead and contribute—scientifically, strategically, and through policy recommendations.
“These are not only problems to solve but opportunities to improve lives, safeguard our future for our children and grandchildren, and expand exploration of our world—and beyond.”
My 2027 presidential programming invites all ACS members and chemistry professionals worldwide to join in addressing global chemistry grand challenges that have figured prominently in recent years. These challenges are too complex for any single discipline, organization, or sector to solve alone. Each depends critically on interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve meaningful progress. Therefore, the following topics have been selected as among the most pressing global scientific challenges of the early 21st century:
- Medicine development: Despite significant progress made in understanding human disease at the molecular level, billions remain afflicted by complex infectious diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurological conditions. For this reason, medicine development heads our list of global grand challenges. Multidivisional symposia representing cutting-edge innovation in medicine today and the breakthroughs of tomorrow will showcase how chemists are helping improve outcomes around the world.
- Sustainability: Chemistry is central to addressing sustainability, and for more than 30 years, ACS has been at the forefront of this work. In 2027, my presidential programming will spotlight how chemistry drives innovation in materials, processes, and systems that reduce environmental impact while creating long term value. From circular materials and advanced recycling to green chemistry and safer product design, chemists are reshaping industries to minimize waste and toxicity. Their contributions extend to climate solutions, breakthroughs in water purification, improved fertilizers, and sustainable agriculture practices that protect ecosystems while feeding a growing population. By elevating sustainability as a grand challenge, ACS underscores chemistry’s power not only to reduce harm but to create new opportunities for growth, resilience, and a healthier future for generations to come.
- Energy: There is hardly a day when energy is not featured in headlines around the world. Demand continues to rise exponentially among multiple sectors. From oil and gas to renewables, batteries, hydrogen technologies, and nuclear power, chemistry is at the core of advancing the science and technology required to meet these needs. We invite ACS members involved in energy chemistry to showcase how their innovations are shaping a more sustainable and resilient energy future. This critical theme has been designated the 2027 Committee on Science (COMSCI) Innovation topic, underscoring its importance to both society and the scientific community.
- Chemistry of space: The excitement generated by recent US and international space missions has captured the hearts and minds of billions around the world. Chemistry has played—and will continue to play—a pivotal role in achieving humankind’s dream of space travel, exploration, and potentially extraterrestrial habitation. In 2027, my presidential programming will highlight and celebrate the critical role that chemistry plays in this new era of space exploration and travel.
These topics are intended to engage multiple ACS divisions and committees, and they welcome participation from chemists—across all sectors and geographies—chemical engineers, and professionals whose work intersects with chemistry! To truly achieve this interdisciplinary progress we encourage everyone, including the broader scientific enterprise, to join us.
With a focus on the global chemistry grand challenges and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, our collective efforts in 2027 will advance ACS’s goals by increasing innovation, elevating the reputation of science, empowering scientists, and enhancing inclusivity and engagement. Most importantly, we aim to strengthen the value of ACS membership by creating opportunities for chemists to contribute meaningfully to solutions that matter on a global scale.
What challenge will you help solve in 2027?
The challenges before us are significant, but so is the opportunity. Every chemist, regardless of discipline, career stage, or sector, has something valuable to contribute. We encourage you to choose one of these global chemistry grand challenges, engage with interdisciplinary colleagues, develop new collaborations, and contribute your ideas, research, and leadership. Submit symposia, participate in programming, share success stories, and help inspire the next generation of scientists.
Join us in advancing the transformative power of chemistry. The future depends on the discoveries we make, the partnerships we build, and the action we take today.
For more information or to become involved, please contact [email protected].
Views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of C&EN or ACS.
