Discovery and innovation
Chemistry is core to advances across every facet of human life
Where do the greatest opportunities lie? How will technology shape the science we create? And what steps should we take to ensure that curiosity-driven research continues to unlock new opportunities in unexpected ways?
In close collaboration with the research community, we set out the likely future of where chemistry’s greatest contributions will be – as well as the regulatory and funding environments needed to achieve them.
Our campaigns
Find our perspectives on a range of issues related to Discovery. Elsewhere on this page and across our website you can read research reports, policy positions and engagement activities.
Insights from REF2021
Our report highlights the varied contributions that chemical scientists at UK institutions make through new discoveries and transferring knowledge.
Unlocking innovation
We explore why deep tech chemistry ventures can get stuck without access to suitable labs to research or scale-up, and what we can do about it.
Chemistry and the EU exit
The UK has now left the European Union. We strongly advise you to check regularly the Government pages signposted on this page for updates.
Digital futures
How the new wave of technologies in AI, robotics, data analysis, modelling and simulation can help scientists respond to future global challenges.
Future workforce and educational pathways
Preparing chemical scientists for the employment environment of tomorrow.
Igniting innovation: The case for supporting UK deep tech chemistry
Chemistry-intensive SMEs (small- to medium-sized enterprises) are vital to our economy and future prosperity.
Recent news and activities
Change Makers 2025 cohort: cleantech start-ups join accelerator programme for deep-tech chemistry ventures
27 May 2025
US tariffs and potential UK retaliatory measures: what this might mean for chemistry businesses and research
10 April 2025
Building bridges through mentorship
02 April 2025
2025 Spring Statement
26 March 2025
Professor Duncan Graham becomes editor in chief
19 March 2025
Public sector officials show support to RSC Change Maker
24 February 2025
Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award victories
13 February 2025
Our research community
Re-thinking excellence in research - RSC signs DORA
We are the first major chemical society to sign up to the declaration’s principles to assess research outputs in a fair and balanced manner.
Article
Publish open access
Choosing to publish open access is easy and straightforward – and it is possible in every Royal Society of Chemistry journal.
Review for us
The benefits of becoming a peer reviewer and how to apply.
Change Makers
Powering positive change through deep tech chemistry.
Explore the UK's home of deep tech chemistry