African Early Career Chemists Workshop & 8th Annual Symposium of the American Chemical Society, Nigeria International Chapter 2023

Africa is evolving and there is need for researchers within the chemical sciences in emerging regions to focus on commercially-driven research to address local challenges and promote economic growth. Under the theme “Innovation in the Chemical Sciences: From Discovery to Commercialization,” the African Early Career Chemists Workshop & 8th Annual Symposium of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Nigeria International Chapter focused on driving discussions that would lead to the conduct of chemical research with significant commercial relevance. It brought together a diverse group of participants across the African region, including professionals in the chemical sciences, younger chemists, industry experts, government agencies and policymakers, to collaborate and innovate. The symposium was held in Uyo, Nigeria from June 4–8, 2023 [1].

The scientific meeting highlighted the importance of chemistry in addressing regional challenges and aimed to bridge the gap between groundbreaking chemical research and practical, commercial applications, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and the global south. The one-day African Early Career Chemists Workshop during the symposium provided a unique platform for young scientists in the African region to engage in career development programs, develop their skills and prepare for rewarding careers in chemical and related sciences. It provided opportunity for students to present their research poster, network, gain insights from seasoned professionals, and enhance their career trajectories within the field. The event encouraged participation of younger chemists all over Africa through travel grants from the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), ACS, Bayer Crop Science, and the Journal of Materials and Environmental Sustainability Research (JMESR) as well as awards to three best poster presentations.

A total of 160 presentations, including posters, were delivered in both the onsite and virtual formats, with over 380 participants from 10 countries in Africa. Out of these presentations, 10 of them were delivered by invited speakers including the IUPAC President, Prof. Javier García-Martínez, who delivered the Keynote Lecture, President of the Federation of African Societies of Chemistry, Prof. Gloria U. Obuzor, who delivered a plenary talk. Additionally, other plenary talks were delivered by Prof. Saviour A. Umoren (King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia) and Prof. Marietjie Potgieter (Chair, IUPAC Committee on Chemistry Education). Following the symposium, a call for full papers was made for a special issue in Pure and Applied Chemistry (PAC).

This special issue in PAC contains six manuscripts from the workshop covering topics from pure to applied chemistry. Much attention has been shifted towards finding low-cost and environmentally friendly absorbents for controlling and improving crude oil adsorption from spill sites; Mansur Ibrahim and Hadi Sulaiman studied the adsorption of crude oil using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) synthesized from coconut shells. Their batch adsorption experiments, confirmed by UV–vis, FTIR, and SEM analyses, revealed a significant increase in CNT hydrophobicity, enhancing their crude oil adsorption capacity to 4855.8 mg/g [2]. Chrysanthus Andrew and Jayakumar Mani investigated the electrodeposition of samarium in a 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidone solvent. Their research indicated a two-step reduction mechanism for Sm(III) and successful deposition on copper substrates, with the structure confirmed by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy [3]. Emmanuel C. Ohaekenyem et al. conducted a molecular docking analysis of SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors. They assessed natural and synthetic compounds against COVID-19 main protease, identifying several potential inhibitors with higher binding affinities than known antiviral drugs [4]. Ubong J. Etim and colleagues examined the interaction of FCC catalyst components, focusing on the roles of matrix and binder on zeolite structure. Their findings highlight the importance of binder materials in catalyst crystallization and stability, impacting the overall catalytic performance [5]. Mansur Ibrahim Yahaya and Zara’u Salihu assessed the adsorption capacity of CNTs synthesized from Moringa oleifera leaf extract for toxic metals in polluted water. Their study demonstrated efficient metal adsorption, with increasing capacities correlating with higher initial concentrations and retention times [6]. Ojong Elias Ojong et al. designed and simulated a cumene plant processing natural gas using Aspen HYSYS [7]. Their comprehensive study included the development and sizing of plant units and an economic evaluation, projecting a total cost of $3.004 million. It is hoped the articles from this special issue will contribute to the existing literature and serve as a valuable reference.

In conclusion, the African Early Career Chemists Workshop & 8th Annual Symposium of the American Chemical Society, Nigeria International Chapter was successful. We would like to thank all the speakers, attendees, contributors, collaborators, and sponsors such as the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), Bayer Crop Science, the American Chemical Society (ACS), Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), the Federation of African Societies of Chemistry (FASC), the International Younger Chemists Network (IYCN), African Younger Chemists Network (AYCN) as well as the Editors of Pure and Applied Chemistry, and the organizing and scientific committee of the 8th Symposium for their contributions.