Chemistry is a fundamental and enabling science that investigates molecules—the building blocks of all

matter—and how they interact to affect the composition, structure and properties of substances.

The industrial applications of chemistry directly affect our daily lives—what we eat, what we wear, our
transport, the technology we use, how we treat illnesses and how we get electricity—to name just a
few.

Research is constantly deepening our understanding of chemistry, and leading to new discoveries.

Chemistry will help us solve many future problems, including sustainable energy and food production,
managing our environment, providing safe drinking water and promoting human and environmental
health.

To many, chemistry is a foreign concept, belonging to the world of academia and textbooks with little
relevance to our everyday life. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find an aspect of your daily routine
that isn’t directly impacted by chemistry research.

Chemistry is the study of molecules: the building blocks of matter. It is central to our existence, and
leads our investigations into the human body, Earth, food, materials, energy, and anywhere and
everywhere in between. The chemical industry, supported by chemistry research, underpins much of
our economic progress, and provides wealth and prosperity for society.