The transformative benefits of curiosity-driven research
Industry collaboration is crucial for curiosity-driven research, the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) says in a recent report. The UK Government confirmed in November 2025 that curiosity-driven research will receive £14bn for the period 2026-2030 through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), 36% of UKRI’s total budget.
Leader: Bad COP, good COP?
The most recent UN COP climate science meeting in Belem, Brazil, was seen by many as something of a damp squib, with the usual lengthy process to arrive at a final statement that was acceptable to all attendees long after the final events ended.
AI for farmers: How new technologies are taking on plant pests and diseases
Plant pests and diseases take 20 to 40% of global crop yields every year. AI is now helping to reduce these yield losses with smarter, more precise applications of agrochemicals. Anthony King reports
Industry outlook: Specialty and fine chemicals stagnate
Chemical distribution is experiencing a flat period. During October, US specialty chemical and fine chemical volumes remained largely unchanged at 3.53m t, following slight gains of 0.2% in both September and August, according to research from US-based Swift Economics. This level of activity resulted in volumes being up a moderate 1.8% year-over-year and above pre-pandemic levels. Segment-wise, October saw mixed expansion, with 15 out of 30 market segments growing.
How woolly mammoths, ancient penguins and AI are helping the hunt for new antibiotics
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest health challenges facing the world. Now the combination of modern artificial intelligence (AI) tools and a collection of ancient and unusual organisms may be able to speed up research into new treatments.
Business digest: Chemistry industry updates
The latest business digest for C&I Issue 12 2025 with all the latest mergers and acquisitions in the chemical industry.