The State of Chemistry

The Council for Chemical Research (CCR) has grown in stature over the years by engendering support for chemical research in any way it can and, perhaps most important, by providing through its annual meeting the best forum for discussing issues of common concern to academic chemistry and chemical engineering department heads, chemical industry R&D executives, and managers from the national laboratories. During the 15th annual CCR meeting held at the Keystone Resort in Colorado earlier this month, these groups discussed a host of common concerns—maybe common crises would be a better term. All these groups have enjoyed decades of high accomplishment, acclaim, and public support. All would love for this to continue. But they know it won't. They all know that change, maybe irreversible, is already engulfing them. None are yet sure what will happen in the long run or how exactly to react. But they share the common goal of responding constructively to growing ...