In this collection we explore fostering a positive research culture and scientific practices, covering topics such as reproducibility, open science, diversity and inclusion, leadership and mentorship, career instability, discrimination, misconduct and the evolving landscape of research ethics and integrity.
A knotty mess of problems affects people doing academic research in the UK. Rachel Brazil tries to untie the tangle
Five ways to make chemistry departments better places to work
The pandemic has provided valuable lessons for funders to rethink research culture
The Covid-19 pandemic has further highlighted long-existing issues that leaders need to take a stance on
Not enough has been done to support students during the pandemic
Afghan researchers and scholars flee or go into hiding as the Taliban’s return to power sees the science academy and universities closed
Pledge to improve understanding and monitoring of inequality comes a year after open letter was first published
The influential chemist on nurturing confidence in students and taking inspiration from the humanities
Researchers and funders are exploring ways to make large collaborative projects more successful
Taking inspiration from nerd culture
The role of background beliefs and assumptions in the development of science
Improving research culture requires effort – but it’s worth it
We have to accept that we can’t catch up on time lost in lockdown
While the pandemic has introduced more efficient and global ways of working, researchers and educators still have challenges to overcome
Researchers reported spending more time on peer-review activities, teaching and writing
Emphathy is vital to support mentees effectively
The rise of ChemRxiv might mean that chemists can tackle thornier cultural problems
Move derided as ‘hopelessly outdated’ and a setback for open science by researchers
Agency aligns itself with principles of Plan S by insisting on immediate open access
Nina Notman takes stock of how preprint severs have settled into the chemistry community
Marius-Paul Otto (1870–1939) patently used his entrepreneurial spirit to clean up
Move should reduce exposure of children to chemicals that have come in for criticism for their persistence and bioaccumulation
Why MOFs are a great choice for the Nobel prize in chemistry
The pioneering theoretical chemist on teaching herself programming and the importance of freedom
Join us on 25 November as we explore the legacy of Walter Kohn, the 1998 joint winner of the Nobel prize in chemistry
Unpublished images should be brought to light to aid science communication and speed up discovery
Join us on 27 November to learn how you can fight back against fraudulent research and paper mills
From wooden models to thousands and thousands of structures, Julia Robinson tells the story of how Richard Robson, Susumu Kitagawa and Omar Yaghi won the 2025 Nobel prize in chemistry
Join us on 9 December to learn about the intricate interplay between our genetic and physical makeup and the food we eat
Genius Lab Gear wants to stop trend of pregnant women creating Frankenstein lab coats with a tailored and adjustable lab coat
Vibrational spectroscopy’s intuitive insight into molecular structure was initially shunned by chemists
Learn about the lives of newly minted chemistry Nobel laureates Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson and Omar Yaghi
Join us as we provide analysis and commentary in the run up to the announcement of the biggest prize in chemistry
The enthusiasm and excitement the awards generate for the sciences are still second to none
The Nobel laureate on the joys of entering a developing field, and the century of vision
Why young scientists must lead a new era of global collaboration
How a reality check, a little patience and a lot of polysaccharides shaped my scientific journey
But with more consideration for their audience, they don’t have to be
Changes over the past five years have enabled a wider variety of team and individual excellence to be celebrated
Sustainable Extricko is using superheated steam and pressure to recycle intractable materials used in sailing
One extra drop of titrant was all it took…
This is especially important to ensure neurodiverse employees get the support they need
Reasonable adjustments enable diverse teams that can grow, innovate and tackle global problems
Neurodivergent people often excel in skills highly valued in chemistry. Nina Notman investigates how employers are breaking down barriers and harnessing these talents through workplace adjustments and recruitment reforms