In sharpcontrast to other major science disciplines such as
physics, mathematics and biology, chemistry is the only“funda-
mental” science that has aspeciicindustry attached toit. Chem-
istry as a discipline has been a signiicant contributor to the
wealth, prosperity and health of the human species. Over the
past 5000 years it is chemistry, more than any other discipline,
that has made our global civilisation possible. Chemical discov-
eries led to technological revolutions in our past – from Stone
Age to Bronze Age to Iron Age, and hence to steel, plastics,
petroleum, silicon, DNA and, most recently, graphene.
Early civilisations learned how to extract simple metals and
to process them, which provided an initial military advantage
and eventually long-term economic superiority. Likewise, the
civilisations that developed gunpowder gained ascendancy in
many areas around the globe.New materials such as cement, mortar and concrete, glass
and plastic have led in turn to increased urbanisation and to
larger, longer-lasting buildings. The industrial revolution was
enabled by rapid improvements in understanding the thermo -
dynamics of fossil fuel combustion, and this led to global power
shifts to countries that were able to implement these innova-
tions on an industrial scale.
The long history of chemistry often leads people to under-
estimate its current strength both as a scientiic discipline and
as a global powerhouse for manufacturing. In 2014 the chem-
icals industry contributed 4.9% of global GDP and the sector
had gross revenues of US$5.2 trillion. That corresponds to
US$800 for every man, woman and child on the planet.
During the 21st century, chemistry will continue to deine
the directions of technological change. For example, chemical
research and development will contribute to energy-eicient
LEDs, solar cells, electric vehicle batteries, water desalination
technology, biodiagnostics, advanced materials for durable
clothing, aerospace, defence, agriculture and medicine.
The future for chemistry is rosy, yet its image is often clouded
by comparatively minor mishaps. It’s time for public recogni-
tion of the fact that, in a country where almost all of the 92
natural elements can be found, chemistry offers Australia sustain-
able economic prosperity.Chemistry is the largest scientiic discipline; 29 of Australia’s
universities have dedicated chemistry departments. Contrary
to popular belief there is close to gender balance, with 56% of
all graduates in chemistry being male. The mean graduation
age is 22, with their starting salaries at $50,000 per annum.
Currently, around 50% of chemists work in industry, 25% in
universities or teaching and most of the remaining 24% are
employed in government laboratories.
Chemicals and plastics supply 109 of Australia’s 111 indus-
tries. There are more than 60,000 people employed in the chem-
ical industry. It’s our second largest manufacturing sector,
contributing $11.6 billion annually to Australia’s GDP.
These are impressive igures, but long-term strategies and a
national focus are required to maintain this performance. A
major effort is needed on several fronts.
First, it is clear that all manufacturing processes need to pay
attention to waste and recycling. The development of cradle-
to-grave manufacturing systems will increase the lifetime of
raw resources and minimise environmental impact. New chem-
ical methods to help with plastics, polymer and rubber recy-
cling can open up new markets.
Second, Australian researchers need to better connect to
industry, and industry in turn needs to invest more of its income
into R&D, which remains very low by OECD standards.
Third, we need national strategies and a long-term commit-
ment to helping nascent industries remain aloat long enough
to secure market share. New Zealand has been highly innova-
tive in this regard.
While 40% of companies in many European countries have
interactions with universities, only 4% of Australian compa-
nies report such links. Australia can do much better in exploiting
its strong research base. The chemistry community must work
together more effectively to create a genuine “value-adding
chain”. Proitable chemistry-based companies create high-
quality jobs, which in turn attract students to stay in science.
Better linkages between universities and industry will ensure that
Australia can generate the products needed to maintain high
living standards.
Governments need to support this value-adding chain by
developing long-lasting bipartisan policies that foster risk-
taking and greater investment in manufacturing. The Asia-
Paciic rim will be at the vanguard of economic and political
growth in the next 50 years. We need to ensure that Australasian
science also leads the world.
Prof Paul Mulvaney is Chair of the National Committee for Chemistry, and is based at The
University of Melbourne’s School of Chemistry & Bio21 Institute.36 | JUNE 2016
Chemistry: 21st Century Science for the Global Economy
It’s time for publicrecognition of the fact that, in a country where almost all of the 92 natural
elements can be found, chemistry offers Australia sustainable economic prosperity.conSCIENCE Paul MulvaneyIn 2014 the chemicals industry
contributed ... US$800 for every
man, woman and child on the
planet.