This Review focuses on the inherent advantages of natural resources for room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials, mechanisms and strategies for activating and enhancing the RTP properties of natural resources, as well as the potential applications of these RTP materials.

Pyramidanes are curious molecules. The tetrahedranes and the [4]–[6]pyramidanes exhibit molecular structures derived from trigonal to hexagonal pyramids. Examples of these pyramidanes are presented and their structural, spectroscopic and chemical features are described.

Free energy calculations have great potential to accelerate drug discovery projects by predicting relative protein–ligand binding affinities. But how accurate are these predictions and how accurate can they become? A recent report assesses the state of the art in such calculations and compares it to experimental approaches.

Emily Draper explains how to design and build electrochemical equipment for neutron scattering experiments with simple, at-hand components and techniques.

To mark the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities we have launched a collection on chemists with disabilities. Within diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in science, this is a topic that is often overlooked.

To write this article, Jennifer Rudd asked managers and vice-presidents working in carbon capture and carbon dioxide removal to share their insights on how to develop and deploy the technologies at scale.

A new class of adhesive is reported where the two-component glue adheres via electrostatic interactions. The glue works efficiently in wet and dry conditions, while exhibiting reversible properties in acidic and alkaline media.

The culture of scientific workplaces can cause neurodiverse scientists to face challenges. However, employing inclusive strategies and practical adjustments to the laboratory and the wider environment can help these differently skilled and equally valuable scientists thrive.

For blind and low vision chemists to participate independently in the chemistry laboratory we must employ principles of universal design and embrace new technologies mirroring those available outside the lab. By designing a first-year chemistry course that provides non-visual access, we are taking the first step to empower more blind and low vision people to be successful in chemistry careers.

The participation of people with disabilities in higher education in STEM fields in Japan is significantly lower than the proportion of the general population. Here, I discuss our work building an inclusive laboratory, university initiatives to improve accessibility and explain the need for additional support for researchers with disabilities.