Re-imagining Priorities for Chemistry: A Central Science for "Freedom from Fear and Want"

Area of Science:

• Chemistry
• Human Security Studies

Background:

• Human security, defined as freedom from want and fear, encompasses health, food, economics, environment, and sustainable development.
• Chemistry's vital role in addressing human security threats has not been explicitly detailed.
• Individuals are central to the human security framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To situate chemistry within the human security framework.
• To highlight the essential contributions of chemistry knowledge, methods, and products to human security.
• To identify areas where chemistry must evolve to meet global challenges.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the intersection between chemistry and human security.
• Review of chemistry's contributions across various human security dimensions.
• Exploration of the reciprocal relationship between human security needs and chemistry's development.

Main Results:

• Chemistry significantly contributes to multiple dimensions of human security.
• The human security framework reveals needs for chemistry to intensify current approaches and develop new tools.
• Chemistry can be revitalized by actively engaging at the science-society-policy interface.

Conclusions:

• Chemistry is indispensable for achieving human security goals.
• Adapting and innovating chemistry is essential for addressing future global challenges.
• Repositioning chemistry as central to human security offers a path for scientific renewal and societal benefit.