since it means that they can make contributions to wide areas of human understanding and human welfare. At the same time, it is a problem because great advances can be made in one area without necessarily revolutionizing the entire field. Some of the challenges are specific, but others are quite broad, with potential impact well beyond the chemical sciences. These are listed here as some overriding themes, described as grand challenges—they are broad opportunities that if met could have huge benefits to society. While they are goals not yet reached, we propose that they can be realistically addressed with the new and developing strengths in theories and procedures in the chemical sciences. As we continue to push forward the frontiers of science, we will increasingly do so by working with our colleagues in other disciplines. In this way, the chemical sciences will be able to contribute in remarkable ways to an improved future for our country, for humanity, and for our planet.

We caution the reader that these grand challenges should not be taken as the only areas for worthwhile research. The history of science shows again and again that large revolutions in thought can arise from discoveries that were made by individuals or teams who were not constrained by someone else’s list. Chemistry and chemical engineering enter the 21st century with exciting science ahead and major contributions to make. The committee hopes this report will stimulate young people to join them in meeting these challenges, and that society will support continued efforts of chemists and chemical engineers in their work on and beyond the molecular frontier.