Features in 2009

With energy swiftly rising to the top of the world's agenda, Harry B. Gray at the California Institute of Technology looks at how chemistry can help to harness the power of the Sun to meet the world's energy needs.

Chemistry has a central role in science, and synthesis has a central role in chemistry. Ryoji Noyori from Nagoya University considers where synthetic chemists should focus their efforts.

Mark A. Johnson at Yale University discusses how the two sides of physical chemistry have necessarily developed together, and looks at how their synergy dictates the direction of contemporary research.

The foundations of science are built on the ability to make sensitive, precise measurements. Gary M. Hieftje from Indiana University, Bloomington, considers how analytical instruments and methods are being developed to meet tomorrow's needs.

If syntheses and structures can be more easily predicted, what will it mean for inorganic chemistry? Achim Müller of the University of Bielefeld looks into his (quasi)crystal ball.

The way forward for a field in its infancy is to focus on complexity and integrated systems that may lead to emergent phenomena, suggests J. Fraser Stoddart at Northwestern University.

Understanding the mysteries of life has always been a driving force in scientific research; Barbara Imperiali from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reflects on the infinite opportunities for chemists at the biology interface.

Diminishing fossil fuel reserves, hazardous chemicals and wasteful processes have led to the emergence of 'green' technologies; James H. Clark at the University of York considers how metals, materials and organic compounds can be prepared by clean and sustainable routes.