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The Future of Science in the Digital Age: Chemistry at a Crossroads

  • Omar M. Yaghi, UC Berkeley
Published/Copyright: October 29, 2025
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Chemistry International
From the journal Chemistry International Volume 47 Issue 4

In 21st century, science—especially chemistry—stands at a transformative crossroads said Omar M. Yaghi of UC Berkeley in his plenary talk. The rise of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) is unlocking unprecedented opportunities for discovery. Yet, this progress is shadowed by growing vulnerabilities: cyber threats, misinformation, knowledge suppression, and geopolitical tensions.

Prof. Yaghi emphasizes that the scientific enterprise must evolve swiftly to remain relevant. Chemistry, in particular, has the potential to become a fully data-driven and adaptive discipline. AI technologies are already revolutionizing the field—from generative models that design new materials to autonomous laboratories that accelerate experimental work. These innovations offer powerful tools to tackle global challenges in sustainability, energy, and health.

But the path forward demands more than technological capability; it requires ethical clarity and visionary governance. Yaghi warns against prematurely regulating AI in ways that might stifle innovation. Instead, he advocates for a balanced approach—one that safeguards ethical standards while protecting the freedom of scientific inquiry. We must resist fear-driven responses and focus on maximizing the benefits AI can offer to humanity.

Equally important is the democratization of science. Yaghi said that the benefits of scientific progress must be shared equitably across societies. This means ensuring open access to knowledge, fostering global collaboration, and strengthening institutions that uphold the right to science as a universal human entitlement.

From left: David Winkler, Elizabeth Hall, Peter Mahaffy, Helen Pain, Dorothy J. Phillips, Soon Ting Kueh, Ehud Keinan, Omar M. Yaghi, and Paul T. Anastas

From left: David Winkler, Elizabeth Hall, Peter Mahaffy, Helen Pain, Dorothy J. Phillips, Soon Ting Kueh, Ehud Keinan, Omar M. Yaghi, and Paul T. Anastas

In his vision, the future of science lies not only in technological advancement but also in intelligent stewardship. To meet the challenges ahead, we must modernize science with humility, protect it with vigilance, and commit to its role as a global public good—open, inclusive, and driven by innovation with conscience.

About the author

Omar M. Yaghi

Omar M. Yaghi, UC Berkeley

Published Online: 2025-10-29
Published in Print: 2025-10-01

©2025 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin/Boston

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Can the “Right to Science” Restore Public Trust?
  2. The Future of Science in the Digital Age: Chemistry at a Crossroads
  3. Chemistry for a Fairer, Safer, and More Sustainable World
  4. Science at a Crossroads: Restoring Integrity and Public Trust
  5. Building Trust in Science: A Two-Way Commitment
  6. Science: A Truth Worth Defending
  7. Science Under Siege: Confronting the Hydra’s Many Heads
  8. Masthead - Full issue pdf
  9. Past President’s Column
  10. Chemistry at the Crossroads: Enabling Solutions for a Changing World
  11. Features
  12. IUPAC’s 2025 Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry
  13. Preventing spread of chemical weapons in an era of rapid technological change
  14. Why think philosophically about chemistry?
  15. Spotlight on IUPAC Young Observers
  16. Spotlight on IUPAC U.S. Young Observers
  17. IUPAC Wire
  18. IUPAC Launches Global Call to Action for Responsible Chemistry
  19. IUPAC Announces the 2025 Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry
  20. Actions Taken by IUPAC Council, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 2025
  21. Recognising Excellence: CCE 2026 Awards—Call for Nominations
  22. 2026 IUPAC-Richter Prize—Call for Nominations
  23. 2026 IUPAC–Soong Prize for Sustainable Chemistry—Call for Nominations
  24. 2026 IUPAC-Solvay International Award for Young Chemists—Call for Applicants
  25. Systems Thinking in Chemistry Education—Call for Papers
  26. Special issue IYQ in PAC
  27. In Memoriam
  28. Project Place
  29. Terminology for Dynamic Polymer Networks and Hydrogels
  30. Systems Thinking, Sustainability and Chemical Industry
  31. Small-Scale Chemistry Initiative in India
  32. Making an imPACt
  33. Definitions and preferred symbols for mass diffusion coefficients in multicomponent fluid mixtures including electrolytes (IUPAC Technical Report)
  34. IUPAC/CITAC guide: interlaboratory comparison of categorical characteristics of a substance, material, or object (IUPAC Technical Report)
  35. Blockchain technology: driving change in the scientific research workflow
  36. IUPAC Provisional Recommendations
  37. Basic Classification and Definitions of Polymerization Reactions
  38. Conference Call
  39. IUPAC 2025 in Kuala Lumpur Opened with Focus on Sustainability and Excellence
  40. Restoring Trust in Science: A Global Imperative
  41. Sustainable Practices for Promoting Diversity in Chemistry
  42. Green Chemistry for a Sustainable Future
  43. Advancing Scientific Terminology & Standards for the Digital Era—DUST Conference 2025
  44. Stockholm Declaration on Chemistry for the Future
  45. Mark Your Calendar
  46. Index
https://doi.org/10.1515/ci-2025-0428
Creative Commons
BY-NC-ND 4.0

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Can the “Right to Science” Restore Public Trust?
  2. The Future of Science in the Digital Age: Chemistry at a Crossroads
  3. Chemistry for a Fairer, Safer, and More Sustainable World
  4. Science at a Crossroads: Restoring Integrity and Public Trust
  5. Building Trust in Science: A Two-Way Commitment
  6. Science: A Truth Worth Defending
  7. Science Under Siege: Confronting the Hydra’s Many Heads
  8. Masthead - Full issue pdf
  9. Past President’s Column
  10. Chemistry at the Crossroads: Enabling Solutions for a Changing World
  11. Features
  12. IUPAC’s 2025 Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry
  13. Preventing spread of chemical weapons in an era of rapid technological change
  14. Why think philosophically about chemistry?
  15. Spotlight on IUPAC Young Observers
  16. Spotlight on IUPAC U.S. Young Observers
  17. IUPAC Wire
  18. IUPAC Launches Global Call to Action for Responsible Chemistry
  19. IUPAC Announces the 2025 Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry
  20. Actions Taken by IUPAC Council, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 2025
  21. Recognising Excellence: CCE 2026 Awards—Call for Nominations
  22. 2026 IUPAC-Richter Prize—Call for Nominations
  23. 2026 IUPAC–Soong Prize for Sustainable Chemistry—Call for Nominations
  24. 2026 IUPAC-Solvay International Award for Young Chemists—Call for Applicants
  25. Systems Thinking in Chemistry Education—Call for Papers
  26. Special issue IYQ in PAC
  27. In Memoriam
  28. Project Place
  29. Terminology for Dynamic Polymer Networks and Hydrogels
  30. Systems Thinking, Sustainability and Chemical Industry
  31. Small-Scale Chemistry Initiative in India
  32. Making an imPACt
  33. Definitions and preferred symbols for mass diffusion coefficients in multicomponent fluid mixtures including electrolytes (IUPAC Technical Report)
  34. IUPAC/CITAC guide: interlaboratory comparison of categorical characteristics of a substance, material, or object (IUPAC Technical Report)
  35. Blockchain technology: driving change in the scientific research workflow
  36. IUPAC Provisional Recommendations
  37. Basic Classification and Definitions of Polymerization Reactions
  38. Conference Call
  39. IUPAC 2025 in Kuala Lumpur Opened with Focus on Sustainability and Excellence
  40. Restoring Trust in Science: A Global Imperative
  41. Sustainable Practices for Promoting Diversity in Chemistry
  42. Green Chemistry for a Sustainable Future
  43. Advancing Scientific Terminology & Standards for the Digital Era—DUST Conference 2025
  44. Stockholm Declaration on Chemistry for the Future
  45. Mark Your Calendar
  46. Index
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