A new seven-year $93.4 million project aims to advance research in green chemistry across four key areas.
Green chemistry seeks to discover and design of higher-performing chemistry which can then reduce or eliminate the production or usage or substances that harm humans or the environment.
The Moore Foundation, which is funding the initiative, said it has identified opportunities where “breakthrough innovations” can dramatically increase performance and functionality of materials and ensuring their safety and sustainability. The Moore Foundation was set up by Gordon and Betty Moore; Gordon – who had a PhD in Chemistry - was the founder of Intel, creator of the world’s first microprocessor. This is the first chemistry-focused initiative in the foundation's 25-year history.
Green chemistry wants to create superior functionality in chemicals and materials while minimizing negative consequences, said Paul Anastas, the new program director for the Green Chemistry Initiative. “This requires both new basic scientific breakthroughs and the ability to implement the breakthroughs for the benefit of people and the planet,” he said.
The Green Chemistry Initiative will support fundamental science by advancing basic research in four core scientific areas which it has identified as critical:
Understanding and designing molecular dynamics. Being able to make molecules and materials responsive, dynamic and adaptable.
Control and design of intermolecular interactions. Using weak forces between molecules to design things with superior performance with less energy.
Monitoring and controlling interactions and reactions in complex mixtures. This will seek to find ways to control chemical interactions and reactions in mixtures like wastewater and formulations.
New approaches to toxicological assessment and design for reduced hazard. This will aim to find faster ways to measure how and why chemicals and materials are toxic, which can inform the design of less hazardous substances.
The initiative aims to enable scientists to work together globally and build networks between different scientific fields, such as chemistry, materials science, engineering, toxicology, and biology. The collaborative approach also includes bringing together theoretical and experimental scientists to speed up the process of taking an idea or prediction into the real world. “By openly sharing data and results, and fostering collaborations that transcend traditional boundaries, the foundation aims to play a leading role in green chemistry basic research, inspire further advancements in this critical field, and empower the implementation of these advances for the benefit of society,” said Anastas.
More on sustainable and green chemistry
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- Chemistry needs to be more sustainable. Here’s what needs to change, say top scientists
- SCItalk video: The role of advocacy in accelerating the transition to more sustainable chemicals
- Engineering biology: Five ways it could change the future
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