Highlights

Spinning tops

Magnetic spin waves could slash computer energy consumption

Researchers are developing magnonic processors that use magnetic spin waves instead of electric current to process data. Rachel Brazil discovers how it could potentially reduce energy consumption by 90% and offer new possibilities for neuromorphic computing

Robotic arm picking up paper from pile

AI tools tackle paper mill fraud overwhelming peer review

With more article submissions and fraudulent activity than ever before, journal peer review processes are creaking under the pressure. Nina Notman discovers how AI and automated tools are taking some of the strain

2025 Nobel prize winners

How the pioneers of metal-organic frameworks won the Nobel prize

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

Brain made out of different textures

Rethinking workplaces for neurodivergent staff

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

Woman catching money with solar panel

Kesterite solar cells break efficiency ceiling after decade-long stall

Once-promising kesterite solar technology has finally broken through its efficiency ceiling, jumping from a decade-long stall at 12.6% to nearly 17% in just three years – putting commercial viability within reach.

Topics

Bismuth crystals close up, geometric swirls of green yellow and purple

Exploring the frontiers of the periodic table: bismuth catalysis and its applications

Sponsored by

Learn about state-of-the-art synthesis coming from one of the world’s leading catalysis research groups

US charity launches $100 million green chemistry initiative

Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to fund seven year project headed by sustainable chemistry pioneer Paul Anastas

Pitfalls in cytotoxicity studies could be tripping up chemists

Team proposes how to broaden and standardise biological testing in sustainable chemical research

‘Chemistry changed the world before, we just need to do it again’: Stockholm declaration reimagines future

Paul Anastas talks to Chemistry World about organising call for chemistry to transform itself and make the world more sustainable

Chemists urged to build a greener future by Stockholm declaration document

‘Father of green chemistry’ Paul Anastas among those spearheading call to action

Filter paper simplifies squaramide synthesis

Capillary-driven flow distributes reagents evenly

Serbia protests

Serbia’s researchers still at loggerheads with government one year into mass protests

Further restrictions could be put on academics that are already struggling with being limited to five hours research a week

People leaving

UK’s inability to retain science companies has reached ‘crisis point’, warns new report

Lords science committee says promising technology companies are moving overseas

Starting a chemistry PhD as a mature student

The benefits and challenges of returning to academia after a period away

AI tool paints bigger picture of global impact of millions of research grants, papers and patents

Team behind Funding the Frontier hope it will help funders and policymakers make better decisions but others worry system might favour ‘safe’ research

The cost of a visa for a researcher moving to the UK is 22 times that of international average

Royal Society is warning that the high upfront costs are putting off talented researchers