Martina Havenith has been a Professor of Physical Chemistry at Ruhr University Bochum since 1998. She is the spokesperson of the Cluster of Excellence Ruhr Explores Solvation (RESOLV) and director of the Center of Molecular Spectroscopy and Simulation of Solvent Controlled Processes (ZEMOS). She has developed new infrared and terahertz laser technologies to explore fundamental questions in chemistry. Within the ERC Advance Grant Terahertz Calorimetry, she has developed time-resolved spectroscopic methods that allow to reveal the crucial role of water in fundamental biological processes such as the formation of protein condensates.

Pierre Braunstein is Emeritus CNRS Research Director at the University of Strasbourg, where he remained for his whole career, except for one year at UC London and another at the TU Munich (with Prof. E. O. Fischer, Nobel Laureate). His research interests lie in the molecular chemistry of the transition and main group elements and their diverse applications, ranging from homogeneous catalysis to cluster-derived nanoparticles for heterogeneous catalysis and nanosciences. He has (co)authored over 650 scientific publications and review articles. He is a member i.a. of French Academy of Sciences and of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

Vivian W.-W. Yam obtained both her BSc (Hons) and PhD from The University of Hong Kong, and is currently the Philip Wong Wilson Wong Professor in Chemistry and Energy and Chair Professor of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong. She was elected to Member of Chinese Academy of Sciences, International Member (Foreign Associate) of US National Academy of Sciences, Foreign Member of Academia Europaea, Fellow of TWAS and Founding Member of Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. She was the Laureate of the 2011 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award. Her research interests include inorganic/organometallic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and controlled assembly of nanostructures, photophysics and photochemistry, and metal-based molecular and nano-assembled functional materials for sensing, organic optoelectronics and energy research. Also see: https://chemistry.hku.hk/wwyam/

PEROVSKITE BARIUM TANTALUM OXYNITRIDE: FROM MATERIALS SYNTHESIS TO SOLAR WATER SPLITTING

Mirabbos Hojamberdiev^*

Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Alsion 2, 6400 Sønderborg, Denmark

^*Corresponding author: mirabbos@mci.sdu.dk

Abstract

Although hydrogen is a zero-emission energy carrier, its current global production still heavily relies on fossil fuels. Current momentum on renewable energy and environmental remediation is unprecedented because of fast climate change. We all know the world is hurrying to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. One of the important SDGs is Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. As a replica of natural photosynthesis, a semiconductor-based artificial photosynthetic system is regarded as one of the most economically viable, highly efficient, and environmentally benign chemical processes to generate green hydrogen energy from solar water splitting. However, to harness solar energy efficiently, it is necessary to enhance the visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance of the existing materials and to discover novel visible-light-active materials. Mixed-anion compounds offer new opportunities in this regard [1]. As a 600 nm-class photocatalyst, BaTaO₂N has received particular attention due to its small bandgap (E_g = 1.8 eV), suitable band edge positions for visible-light-induced water splitting, chemical stability, and nontoxicity [2,3]. BaTaO₂N is routinely synthesized by a two-step method: (i) the synthesis of a corresponding oxide precursor and (ii) its high-temperature nitridation under an NH₃ atmosphere for a prolonged period. However, this two-step method leads to the formation of various defects that negatively affect the water-splitting performance. Therefore, we have applied an NH₃-assisted direct flux growth approach to reduce the defect density of BaTaO₂N, engineered the bandgap by cation doping, and explored the effects of the altered morphology, size, and porosity on the visible-light-induced water oxidation activity and photoelectrochemical performance of BaTaO₂N. The findings revealed that the photocatalytic activity and photoelectrochemical performance of BaTaO₂N were significantly influenced by particle morphology, size, porosity, dopant type, and doping amount. Particularly, the BaTaO₂N crystal structures obtained by nitridation of the oxide precursor without KCl flux exhibited a higher surface area and high anodic photocurrents compared to the BaTaO₂N crystal structures obtained by nitridation of the oxide precursor with KCl flux due to the high number of dangling bonds acting as nucleation centers for the highly dispersed CoO_x cocatalyst nanoparticles.

Keywords: Oxynitrides, BaTaO₂N, Water splitting, Green hydrogen, Photocatalysis

References

1.   Kageyama, H.; Hayashi, K.; Maeda, K.; Attfield, J. P.; Hiroi, Z.; Rondinelli, J. M.; Poeppelmeier, K. R. Nat. Commun. 2018, 9, 772.

2.   Marchand, R.; Pors, F.; Laurent, Y.; Regreny, O.; Lostec, J.; Haussonne, J. M. J. Phys. Colloques 1986, 47, C1-901.

3.   Higashi, M.; Abe, R.; Teramura, K.; Takata, T.; Ohtani, B.; Domen, K. Chem. Phys. Lett. 2008, 452, 120.

Optimising pyrochlore structured functional ceramics: processing control, phase equilibria, microstructural and electrical properties

Kar Ban Tan

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM 43400, Serdang, Selangor

Corresponding author: tankarban@upm.edu.my

Abstract

Precise control of ceramic processing is paramount for optimising product quality, reliability and performance. This control significantly influences the microstructure and resultant mechanical, thermal, electrical and optical properties of the ceramic materials. Stringent process control not only minimises production costs and ensures environmentally benign manufacturing but also fosters innovation in materials tailored to specific applications, ranging from electronics to structural components. This presentation details the synthesis and characterisation of bismuth-containing pyrochlore systems, focusing on their phase equilibria, crystallo-chemical and dielectric properties. Technical data collected by both spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were utilised to correlate composition, structure and properties of these functional ceramics. Crucially, rigorous optimisation and processing were essential for achieving single-phase pyrochlore synthesis, maintaining thermal equilibrium and preventing bismuth volatilisation. This required exhaustive sample preparation for detailed phase evolution and equilibrium studies prior to construction of ternary phase diagrams, employing comprehensive quantitative and qualitative powder XRD analyses complemented by the disappearing phase method. The phase-pure pyrochlore subsolidus regions, phase compatibilities and phase assemblages between various phases were successfully identified. Consequently, doping mechanisms, utilising different compositional variables, were employed to describe the subsolidus solution areas, ensuring the overall charge electroneutrality of the systems. Furthermore, impedance data, superimposed on the pyrochlore subsolidus solution regions, illustrate the compositional influence on their dielectric properties. In conclusion, these findings provide further insights and broader understanding of various pyrochlore systems and their application in the development of high-performance ceramic capacitors.

Keywords: ceramics, pyrochlores, optimisation, phase equilibria, impedance

ADVANCEMENTS, MODIFICATIONS, AND TRENDS IN NATURAL RUBBER CHEMISTRY:

FROM MOLECULAR INNOVATIONS TO PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Seng Neon Gan (sngan@um.edu.my)

Chemistry Department, University of Malaya

Abstract

Natural rubber, a cis-1,4-polyisoprene biopolymer, has evolved from its ancient Mesoamerican roots into a cornerstone of modern industry. The 19th-century breakthrough of vulcanization reactions by Goodyear and Hancock through sulphur cross-linking, had converted NR into a durable material that fuelled the Industrial Revolution. Dry natural rubber is produced by coagulating latex with acid, followed by rolling into sheets or processing into blocks. Key dry rubber products include: tyres, belts, hoses, seals, adhesives and other engineering components. Controlled degradation of the NR could lead to the production of liquid rubber for adhesive and as compatibilizer for blending with other materials. On the other hand, wet latex is preserved for direct manufacturing without prior coagulation. Key latex products include: (i) Dipped goods (such as medical gloves, condoms, balloons) made by dipping moulds into compounded latex.  (ii) Foam products (such as mattresses, pillows, cushions) where latex foam offers elasticity and comfort, moulded through the Dunlop or Talalay processes. (iii) Textile and Paper Coatings. (iv) Carpet backing and elastic threads. (v)Medical devices (such as catheters, surgical tubing) exploiting latex’s biocompatibility and stretchability.  The 20th century saw competition from synthetic rubbers (such as SBR and BR) during WWII, yet natural rubber retained dominance in critical applications, aided by chemical modifications, which enhanced oil resistance, adhesion, and thermal stability.  Advancements in polymer science revealed rubber’s molecular structures, guiding innovations such as epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and thermoplastic blends, broadening their uses in various sectors. The late 20th century saw the emphasis on high-performance materials, leveraging fillers for specialized applications. In the 21st century, scientists have placed more efforts on environmental protections and sustainability, and energy saving techniques. Biodegradable composites, and recycling via devulcanization have addressed environmental concerns. Nanotechnology integration (using nanoclay, graphene etc.) has led to stronger and lighter materials. Emerging trends focus on circular economy principles, and genetic engineering to enhance rubber tree productivity. Through continuous molecular innovations, natural rubber remains indispensable, adapting to global challenges while expanding its application frontier.  

Microbial Rubber Degradation: Navigating The Challenges for a Sustainable Future

Kumar Sudesh

School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang. Malaysia. 

ksudesh@usm.my

Abstract

Rubber waste, derived from both natural and synthetic sources, has become a significant environmental challenge due to its durability and resistance to degradation. Microbial degradation offers a promising, eco-friendly solution for addressing this issue. ¹ This presentation explores the potential of microbes in breaking down rubber, focusing on the mechanisms employed by bacteria and fungi, the challenges posed by rubber's chemical resistance, and recent advances in microbial engineering and enzyme optimization. Highlighting case studies on microbial degradation of tire waste ² and oceanic rubber particles, it emphasizes the role of interdisciplinary research and collaboration in overcoming barriers to scalability. ^3,4 With the integration of microbial solutions ⁵ into waste management systems and policy frameworks, this approach holds immense potential for a sustainable future. This presentation will delve into the science, challenges, and opportunities in microbial rubber degradation for environmental restoration and innovation.

Keywords: Actinomycetes, biodegradable, microplastics, rubber

References

1.     Basik, A. A.; Gibu, N.; Kawagiwa, Y.; Ng, S. M.; Yeo, T. C.; Sudesh, K.; Kasai, D. Front. Microbiol., 2024, 15, 1378082.

2.     Basik, A. A.; Trakunjae, C.; Yeo, T. C.; Sudesh, K. Front. Microbiol. 2022, 13, 854427.

3.     Basik, A. A.; Nanthini, J.; Yeo, T. C.; Sudesh, K. Polym. 2021, 20, 3524.

4.     Basik, A. A.; Sanglier, J. J.; Yeo, T. C.; Sudesh, K. Polym. 2021, 13, 1989.

5.     Nanthini, J.; Ong, S. Y. ; Sudesh, K. Gene. 2017. 628, 146-155.

Aura Tintaru is currently associate professor at Aix-Marseille University in France. She obtained her PhD in 2004, in co-tutorship between Université de Provence (France) and University of Bucharest (Romania). Afterwards, her formation pursuit with a post-doctoral fellowship at Manchester University (United Kingdom) and was recruited as an assistant professor at Aix-Marseille University in 2008. During her doctoral and post-doctoral research training, she acquired a double analytical expertise in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Her research work is focused on the structural characterization of complex systems (polymers, dendrimers, natural products) using combined analytical approaches based on MS and NMR. She developed many scientific collaborations at national and international level (Italy, Taiwan, China, Canada, Czech Republic etc). Beside her research projects, she disseminates a rich teaching activity in analytical techniques for all level students (BSc, MSc, PhD).

Slavica Ražić is a full professor and head of the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade. She is a member of the EuChemS Executive Board and a member of the DAC-EuChemS Steering Committee). She is also a Titular member of ACD-IUPAC and its representative in the IUPAC Interdivisional Committee on Green Chemistry for Sustainable Development. Slavica's current research interests lie in the development of analytical methods for environmental samples and greener approaches to sample preparation.

Patricia Forbes is Full Professor in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where she holds the Rand Water Research Chair. Her Environmental Monitoring and Sensing research group focuses on the development of novel sampling and analytical methods for environmental pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and emerging chemical pollutants. She is editor/editorial board member of various journals including Chemosphere, and she is a Fellow of both the South African Chemical Institute and the Royal Society of Chemistry. She serves on numerous professional boards and committees, and is the IUPAC National Representative for Analytical Chemistry.

After working in a crime lab, Dr. Raychelle Burks returned to academia, teaching, and forensic science research. Her research team is focused on the development of colorimetric and luminescent sensor arrays for the detection of analytes of forensic interest with accompanying image analysis. Beyond the lab, Dr. Burks is a popular science communicator and is a frequent contributor or consultant for TV, film, podcasts, and large, in-person STEM events. She writes a science-meets-true crime column called “Trace Analysis” for Chemistry World, the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry. She is a member of a number of local, national, and international committees focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice in STEM.

Luisa Torsi is a professor of analytical chemistry at the University of Bari and president of the Regional Center on Single-Molecule Digital Assay. She received her laurea degree in Physics and the PhD in Chemistry from UNIBA and was post-doctoral fellow at Bell Labs in USA. In 2010 Torsi was awarded the Merck prize and in 2019, she received the Distinguished Women Award from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Torsi is the winner of the Wilhelm Exner Medal 2021, a prize awarded since 1921 by the Austrian Industrial Association and the Premio del Presidente della Repubblica dell’Accademia dei Lincei. She is also a member of this Accademia. She was also president of the European Material Research Society. Torsi has authored ca. 260 papers, published also in Science and Nature journals. Her works collected almost 18.000 Google Scholar citations resulting in an h-index of 67. Gathered research funding for over 40 M€, comprises several national and European projects, mostly coordinated by her. Torsi is committed to the role-modeling for younger women scientists. In a recent campaign by Fondazione Bracco, she was featured in a story of TOPOLINO (Italian series of Disney comics), as “Louise Torduck”, a successful female scientist of the Calisota valley.

Brynn Hibbert occupied the Chair of Analytical Chemistry at the University of New South Wales since arriving from England in 1987 until his retirement in 2013. His research interests are in metrology and statistics in chemistry, and electrochemistry, but he also does a sideline in expert opinion, scientific fraud and presenting science to the public. Long a member, and now Emeritus Fellow, of IUPAC he has helped name elements, revise the SI units and write the terminology of analytical chemistry as editor of the “Orange Book”. As a go-to expert witness in analytical chemistry, in particular in matters of drugs (of abuse, and sports), Professor Hibbert has also published in the forensic literature. He is a Past President of the Royal Society of New South Wales and was made a member of the Order of Australia in 2018. He has published more than 300 papers, 6 books and 3 patents.

Gabriele Centi is a Full Professor of Industrial Chemistry at the University of Messina (Italy), former President of the European Research Institute of Catalysis (ERIC aisbl) and former of the International Association of Catalysis Societies (IACS). He was the Coordinator of the Network of Excellence on Catalysis IDECAT and of several EU projects. He was the Chair of the Editorial Board of ChemSusChem and is Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Energy Chemistry (Elsevier). He was the Chairperson of various international meetings on catalysis on catalysis and has authored over 650 scientific publications. His current h-index (Google Scholar) is 100, with over 40000 citations.

Professor Nicholas Priest graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Wales in 1971 and earned a PhD in Medicine from the University of London in 1974. That same year, he began his career as a research scientist at the National Radiological Protection Board in Harwell, UK, focusing on the metabolism and dosimetry of actinide radionuclides in the body. In 1983, he advanced to become the head of Biomedical Research at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, where his work primarily involved radiological protection research, as well as metal toxicity, inhalation toxicology, and clinical trials. Following the establishment of AEA Technology, he transitioned to Middlesex University in London, taking on a research chair position where his studies centered on radioecology at the former Soviet Nuclear Test Site in Semipalatinsk and in the Balkans. He also led the Decision Analysis and Risk Management Research Centre. In 2007, he moved to Chalk River Laboratory in Canada, where he played a key role in re-establishing AECL/CNL as a leading center for radiobiology and radiological protection research until his retirement in 2016. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada, and holds the title of Emeritus Professor at Middlesex University in London, UK. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and has received notable accolades, including the NATO Science Prize in 2007 and the Canadian Radiation Protection Association Distinguished Achievement Award in 2014. Additionally, he has represented Canada on various international committees such as the IAEA, OECD-NEA, and ISO, and was seconded by the Canadian Government to the IAEA Fukushima Accident Consequences Team in Vienna. With over 120 journal publications to his name, his contributions to the field are well recognized.

Photon-Phonon Co-Driven Conversion of CH₄ to C₂

Junwang Tang

Industrial Catalysis Center, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

^*Corresponding author: jwtang@tsinghua.edu.cn

Abstract

Solar-driven conversion of carbon-containing sources, eg. CO₂ and CH₄ to valuable chemicals is regarded as a pivotal approach for harnessing solar energy and, more importantly, a highly efficient pathway toward achieving carbon neutrality in chemical synthesis. Our early studies on charge dynamics in inorganic materials reveal that the current low solar conversion efficiency is due to both fast charge recombination and sluggish water oxidation [1,2], thus we developed effective material strategies to overcome these challenges and improve the performance of photocatalysis.

Typically, we found that surface junctions can substantially facilitate charge transfer and separation. For instance, the junction composed of C₃N₄ and carbon quantum dots which were synthesised by microwave chemistry represents an unprecedented CO₂ reduction efficiency using water as the sole proton source, leading to CO₂ to methanol with a 100% selectivity [3]. More importantly, we discovered that coupling photons with phonons to co-drive catalytic reactions is significantly more efficient and selective compared to solely relying on photocatalysis, which has been demonstrated in a few scenarios, including methane conversion to formaldehyde on Ru/ZnO [4], methane to C₂H₆ over Au loaded TiO₂ [5] etc, all with extremely high conversion and selectivity. Very recently, we developed a new concept of an intramolecular junction, which is composed of alternate benzene and triazine motifs in CTF polymer. Such structure can facilitate fast charge separation and is characterised by spatially separated reduction and oxidation sites in one molecular unit, thus substantially improving the methane conversion to ethanol and mitigating the overoxidation to CO₂, resulting in an unprecedented ethanol yield and selectivity of 80% operated under ambient condition [6].

Keywords: photon-phonon co-driven catalysis, methane, ethane, ethanol, selectivity

References

1. Wang, Y.; Vogel, A.; Sachs, M; Sprick, R.S.; Wilbraham,L.; Moniz, S.J.A.; Godin, R.; Zwijnenburg, M.A.; Durrant, J.R.; Cooper, A.I.; Tang, J, Nature Energy, 2019, 4, 746-760.
2. Tang, J.; Durrant, J.; Klug, D. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2008, 130 (42) 13885-13891.
3. Wang, Y.; Liu, X.; Han, X.; Godin, R.; Chen, J.; Zhou, W.; Jiang, C.;Thompson, J.F.; Bayazit, M.; Shevlin, S.; Durrant, J.R.; Guo, Z.; Tang, J., Nature Communications, 2020, 11, 2531
4. Xu, Y.; Wang, C.; Li, X.; Xiong, L.; Zhang, T.; Zhang, L; Zhang, Q.; Gu, L.; Lan, L.; Tang, J., Nature Sustainability, 2024, 7, 1171–1181.
5. Li, X.; Li, C.; Xu, Y.; Liu, Q.; Bahri; M., Zhang, L.; Browning, N.D.; Cowan, A.J.; Tang, J., Nature Energy, 2023, 8, 1013–1022.
6. Xie, J.; Fu, C.; Quesne, M.G.; Guo, J.; Wang, C.; Xiong, L.; Windle, C.D.; Gadipelli, S.; Guo, Z.X.; Huang, W.; Catlow, C.R.A.; Tang, J., Nature, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08630-x.

Professor Habibah A Wahab, FASc. the present Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), obtained her PhD in Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of London in 1999. In 1999, Habibah joined USM, as a lecturer at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences where she found a research group “Pharmaceutical Design and Simulation (PhD)” which focuses on research on drug discovery and delivery especially those focus on the utilization of structural bioinformatics. In 2002, she helped established Laboratory of Biocrystallography and Structural Bioinformatics which later in 2008 became Centre for Chemical Biology, USM. Habibah was seconded twice to Ministry of Science of Technology and Innovation; first in 2008-2010 as Director and in 2012-2014, as Director General of Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals.

Dr. Fung is an Assistant Professor at the UCD School of Chemistry, Republic of Ireland. He earned his Ph.D. from National University of Singapore and MSc. from Technical University of Munich, Germany. He is the lead editor of the book "Technology-Enabled Blended Learning Experiences for Chemistry Education and Outreach" (Elsevier). Dr. Fung is an elected council member of the Singapore National Institute of Chemistry (SNIC), and received the 2023 NUS High Inspiring Research Mentor Award and the Global Young Academy Membership (2024-2029) hosted at the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina in Halle (Saale). He is a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University as the Singapore recipient of the U.S.-ASEAN Fulbright Visiting Scholar Award conferred by the U.S. Department of State (2024-2025).

Mauro Mocerino has enjoyed teaching chemistry at Curtin University for over three decades. During this period, he has sought to better understand how students learn chemistry and what can be done to improve their learning. This has developed into a significant component of his research efforts. He also has a strong interest in enhancing the learning in laboratory classes and led the development of a professional development program for those who teach in laboratories. Mauro’s other research interests are in the design and synthesis of molecules for specific intermolecular interactions including drug–protein interactions, host–guest interactions, crystal growth modification and corrosion inhibition. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to learning and teaching, including the RACI Fensham Medal (2018). Outside work, he enjoys playing basketball, trying new foods and (whenever possible) travelling.

Seamus Delaney is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Education, Deakin University, Australia. Institutionally, Seamus serves as Science, Technology, Environmental Education (STEE) Discipline Head within the School. His research interests are teacher professionalisation, systems thinking-oriented teaching and learning approaches, and chemistry and science education in informal/out-of-school contexts. Seamus has numerous national advocacy roles promoting chemistry education, including with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, is an Editor for the journal Chemistry Teacher International and is currently Secretary Elect of the International Organisation of Chemical Sciences in Development (IOCD).

Dr. Renée Cole is a Professor of Chemistry and Department Executive Officer at the University of Iowa. Renée’s research focuses on issues related to how students learn chemistry and how that can guide the design of instructional materials and teaching strategies as well as faculty development and the connection between chemistry education research and the practice of teaching. Two multiple interdisciplinary research projects designed to improve STEM education are the ELIPSS Project (www.elipss.com) and the Increase the Impact Project (www.increasetheimpact.com). Honors include being named an ACS Fellow, an AAAS Fellow, and a James Flack Norris Award recipient.

M. Phil/PhD from Columbia University with Prof. Ronald Breslow. Postdoctoral work at UC Berkeley with Prof. Paul Bartlett. Research interests: Chemistry of Bile acids; Organic-inorganic soft hybrid/composite materials; photoluminescent sensors. His group has developed low cost, paper based photoluminescent sensors for enzymes/bio-relevant small molecules (relevant to AMR). Greatly interested in Chemistry Education and runs a “Chemistry is Fun!” show in various locations in India and abroad. Elected fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Indian National Science Academy. Titular Member of the Committee on Chemistry Education of the IUPAC and is the current President of the Chemical Research Society of India.

EMPOWERING CHEMISTRY EDUCATION:

GREEN CHEMISTRY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

IN SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA

Supawan Tantayanon^a,*

^aDepartment of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University.

^*Corresponding author: supawan.t@chula.ac.th

Abstract

The integration of green chemistry principles into education plays a crucial role in advancing Sustainable Development. This keynote presentation will highlight innovative approaches to chemistry education in South and Southeast Asia, with a focus on small-scale chemistry experiments that promote sustainability, safety, and cost-efficiency. It will explore the transformative "Dow Chemistry Classroom" initiative, launched in Thailand in 2014, which introduced a groundbreaking model of teaching science by conducting hands-on laboratory experiments directly within high school classrooms.

The session will discuss how these educational innovations align with the broader goal of enhancing scientific and technological understanding for sustainable development and fostering scientific literacy among students. Through workshops and training programs, educators are empowered to design and implement experiments that minimize waste, promote safety, and adhere to the 12 principles of green chemistry. This hands-on approach not only improves the learning experience but also equips high school teachers to become catalysts for change, creating networks of trained educators who share knowledge and resources across the region.¹

The presentation will reflect on the successes, challenges, and key lessons learned from these educational initiatives, illustrating how green chemistry-based methods contribute to sustainable development.² It will also highlight IUPAC’s commitment to addressing global challenges, especially in advancing SDG 4 (inclusive and equitable quality education) through multidisciplinary educational projects. By empowering educators and fostering cross-border collaboration, these efforts contribute to building a more sustainable, scientifically literate future for South and Southeast Asia, aligning with IUPAC's mission to provide expertise that addresses critical world needs.

Keywords: green chemistry, sustainable development, small scale chemistry

Reference

1.      Tantayanon, S.; Giri, J.; Pandit, R.; Adhikari, R.; Boonyuen, S.; Zakaria, Z. Chem. Inter. 2023, October-December, 34-38.

2.      Tantayanon, S.; Faikhamta, C.; Prasoplarb,T.; Panyanukit, P. Chemi. Teach. Int., 2025, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.1515/cti-2024-0091.

Rising to Challenge: Harnessing Chemistry for Climate Action and Sustainable Future

Elizabeth Philip

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) 52109 Kepong, Selangor.

^*Corresponding author: philip@frim.gov.my

Abstract

Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it is a present reality, marked by rising global temperatures, extreme weather, and disrupted ecosystems. In response, Sustainable Development Goal 13, set by the United Nations in 2015, emphasizes urgent and transformative action to combat climate change. One of the most powerful tools in this fight is chemistry. Chemistry plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing climate change by shedding light on key processes like greenhouse gas emissions, the carbon cycle, and atmospheric reactions. It helps identify and quantify greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O), assess carbon storage and release due to human activities, and predict climate impacts through atmospheric chemistry. Additionally, chemistry aids in developing climate models that simulate future scenarios and inform policy decisions. Beyond understanding climate change, chemistry drives innovative solutions. It fuels renewable energy advancements such as next-generation solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells, and energy-dense batteries that stabilize grids by storing clean energy. Furthermore, chemical processes support carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, converting carbon emissions into valuable resources like fuels and building materials. Green chemistry pushes sustainability further by designing eco-friendly products and processes. It promotes biodegradable plastics, non-toxic chemical alternatives, and sustainable farming practices that reduce carbon footprints. Innovations in chemical recycling are advancing circular economies by repurposing waste materials rather than polluting ecosystems. Chemistry also strengthens forest climate strategies by monitoring carbon sequestration, analysing soil fertility, and assessing forest health. Understanding wildfire chemistry aids in developing better fire retardants and treatments to combat increasingly intense fires. Ultimately, combating climate change requires collaboration between science, policy, and industry. When chemists, policymakers, and businesses work together, they drive impactful innovations like renewable fuels, plastic recycling, and energy-efficient processes—crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources. Chemistry is a catalyst for a sustainable future.

Keywords: climate change solutions chemistry

Professor Xuefeng Jiang is Distinguished Professor at East China Normal University. He received his B.S. degree from Northwest University (China) in 2003, he pursued his Ph.D. studies with Professor Shengming Ma at the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC), Chinese Academy of Sciences. From 2008 to 2011, he was a postdoctoral researcher under the guidance of Professor K. C. Nicolaou at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) in the field of natural product total synthesis. His research interests involve sulfur chemistry and AI for synthesis. He is an esteemed member of the Chinese Chemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry, National Outstanding Youth. He was awarded as Chinese Chemical Society Youth Excellence Award (2024), China Biopharmaceutical Chain Innovation U45 Influence Youth Award (2024), First Prize in the National Disruptive Technology Innovation Competition (2024), National Innovation Pioneering Award (2023), CAPA Distinguished Faculty Award (China) (2020), China Homogeneous Catalysis Youth Award (2019), Asian Rising Stars Lectureship Award from the Asian Chemical Congress (2019), and was named the Ambassador of “Sulfur” in the “Periodic Table of Younger Chemists” initiative (2018), the German Thieme Chemistry Journal Award, the Japanese ACP Lectureship Award, and being listed as an Elsevier China Highly Cited Scholar for four consecutive years (2020-2023).

Prof Mageswary Karpudewan, an educator and researcher at the School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, is renowned for her impactful contributions to green and sustainable chemistry, with numerous publications in high-impact journals. Her work has received global recognition, and she has established strong networks with researchers worldwide in this field. Prof. Karpudewan has served as an adjunct professor and visiting scholar at various international institutions, promoting and disseminating green and sustainable chemistry education. She currently serves as an Associate Editor for Chemistry Education Research and Practice, a chemistry education journal by Royal Chemistry Society,UK