The chemical sciences are vital for the wellbeing of our world.

Chemical scientists change lives – and have been doing so in many ways, for many centuries.

They will underpin enormous social and technological change in the future.

And the chemical sciences will change too.

 

 

Current trends indicate that by 2030:

  • Chemistry will need to become more global, more interdisciplinary, and more collaborative 
  • New technologies will mean less work is done physically in a laboratory, and more is simulated on a screen
  • There will be an enormous growth in scientific data, as well as the tools to manage, interrogate and analyse it
  • The drive for openness will enable greater collaboration, and disrupt existing business models and regulatory frameworks for knowledge dissemination
  • Funding structures and institutions will adjust to changes in how science is done, as well as addressing the implications of the UK leaving the EU

Chemistry is changing with the world

By 2025 we want to see that, because of our impact:

  • Chemical scientists have made faster progress in tackling global and societal challenges
  • New business models mean chemical sciences research is more openly available
  • Teachers have the resources and services they need to give their students a rich and inspiring chemistry education
  • The UK and Ireland chemistry community’s ethical framework is influencing global standards
  • The UK and Ireland chemistry profession has made a step change in diversity and inclusion, with a strong future pipeline, more routes into the profession and enhanced cross-over between academia and industry
  • Accreditation is a recognised and valued measure of chemistry expertise
  • The UK and Ireland are still a thriving environment for education, research and innovation in the chemical sciences

We can enable all of these changes.

Shaping the future we want for the chemical sciences

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s purpose is to advance excellence in the chemical sciences – to improve the lives of people around the world now and in the future.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we invest our surplus income to achieve our charitable objectives in support of the chemical science community and advancing excellence in the chemical sciences.

The UK’s professional body for chemists

As an organisation with more than 50,000 members in 125 countries, and a global network of thousands working with and passionate about the chemical sciences, we can champion the value of our profession and inspire the next generation.

  • We will set and maintain professional standards
  • We will support practising chemists
  • We will enrich the teaching and learning of chemistry

An internationally renowned knowledge provider

As a not-for-profit publisher with an established global network, we will accelerate the growth, dissemination, application and impact of chemical science knowledge.

  • We will increase our reputation for high quality impactful content supporting scientific priorities
  • We will promote and enable the exchange of ideas
  • We will facilitate collaboration across disciplines, sectors and borders

Using our voice for chemistry

As a trusted and authoritative voice, we will ensure that chemistry has a recognised and influential role in science and society.

  • We will engage and enable our diverse community
  • We will influence decision-makers in areas that impact the chemical sciences
  • We will connect the chemical sciences with the wider world

Changing how we work

Our heritage spans more than 175 years – and we’re proud of that. It’s our responsibility to ensure that our legacy lasts just as long.

  • We will evolve our organisation’s capabilities to meet the needs of the chemical science community, and to stay relevant in a changing world.
  • We will understand our members and customers to make our products and services as tailored and relevant as possible
  • We will strengthen our existing revenue streams as well as developing new sources of income to spend on our charitable work
  • We will expand our digital capacity and capability to both manage our business and deliver world-leading services for the chemical sciences community

How will you help chemistry change the world?

We can’t shape the future of the chemical sciences alone. We are most effective when we work together with our community and the wider world, and everyone can play a part.

You could start here:

About us

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