Bill Carroll on the Chemistry Enterprise in 2015

Throughout 2005, members of the American Chemical Society have engaged in a project whose goal is to understand the vectors driving the chemistry enterprise today and how the enterprise will change during the next 10 years. The paper, The Chemistry Enterprise in 2015, is the outcome of that study and dialog.

We all agree that the chemistry enterprise is now, like many other disciplines, truly global. Global development affects the future composition, size, and shape of the chemistry enterprise in the United States, as well as the role of the working chemists in it. By analyzing our current situation and speculating about the Society’s future, we can help our current and future members adapt to changes and take advantage of the opportunities they offer.

Last spring, we published a Situation Analysis based on interviews conducted with 30 senior researchers, teachers, business executives, government scientists, and policy makers. This final paper integrates much of that Analysis with further information gleaned from national meeting presentations and discussions within committees, divisions, and local sections. It is divided into five sections: The Enterprise: Background; Economic Issues; Science and Technology; Education, Workforce, and Career; and Government Policy. Some common themes echoed through the comments of many of our interviewees, such as cost, multidisciplinarity, geography, demographics, and long- vs. short-term planning.

Whether you find yourself agreeing or disagreeing, please feel free to comment on the paper in this blog. I hope we can have a robust discussion of what I think is a unique look at our situation. I will monitor this blog and comment as needed.