Chemical research is critically important to the U.S. economy, and maintaining U.S. leadership in this sector will require continued and sustained support, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This support should include federal agency funding for chemical research projects, private investment in research and development at universities, and efforts to attract international research talent to the U.S.

The new report looks ahead to emerging areas and needs in the chemical sciences and provides recommendations for future research, developing the chemical research workforce, and funding mechanisms to drive innovation. The report emphasizes the key role the chemical economy will play in addressing sustainability issues, highlighting opportunities such as carbon capture and recyclability.

DETAILS: The Importance of Chemical Research to the U.S. Economy is available for immediate release. Media inquiries should be directed to the National Academies’ Office of News and Public Information; tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu.