Considerable international concerns exist about global climate change and its relationship to the growing use of fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is released by chemical reactions that are employed to extract energy from fuels, and any regulatory policy limiting the amount of CO2 that could be released from sequestered sources or from energy-generating reactions will require substantial involvement of the chemical sciences and technology R&D community. Much of the public debate has been focused on the question of whether global climate change is occurring and, if so, whether it is anthropogenic, but these questions were outside the scope of the workshop, which instead focused on the question of how to respond to a possible national policy of carbon management. Previous discussion of the latter topic has focused on technological, economic, and ecological aspects and on earth science challenges, but the fundamental science has received little attention. This workshop was designed to gather information that could inform the Chemical Sciences Roundtable in its discussions of possible roles that the chemical sciences community might play in identifying and addressing underlying chemical questions.

In the last few decades great strides have been made in chemistry at the nanoscale, where the atomic granularity of matter and the exact positions of individual atoms are key determinants of structure and dynamics. Less attention, however, has been paid to the mesoscale-it is at this scale, in the range extending from large molecules (10 nm) through viruses to eukaryotic cells (10 microns), where interesting ensemble effects and the functionality that is critical to macroscopic phenomenon begins to manifest itself and cannot be described by laws on the scale of atoms and molecules alone. To further explore how knowledge about mesoscale phenomena can impact chemical research and development activities and vice versa, the Chemical Sciences Roundtable of the National Research Council convened a workshop on mesoscale chemistry in November 2014. With a focus on the research on chemical phenomena at the mesoscale, participants examined the opportunities that utilizing those behaviors can have for developing new catalysts, adding new functionality to materials, and increasing our understanding of biological and interfacial systems. The workshop also highlighted some of the challenges for analysis and description of mesoscale structures. This report summarizes the presentations and discussion of the workshop. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction and Overview 2 Growing (Up) from the Nanoscale to the Mesoscale 3 Catalysis 4 Membrane Behavior and Microchemical Systems 5 Biomineralization and Geochemical Processes 6 Computational/Chemical Processes in Self-Assembly References Appendix A: Workshop Agenda Appendix B: About the Chemical Sciences Roundtable Appendix C: Biographical Sketches of Workshop Speakers and Organizing Committee Members Appendix D: Workshop Attendees

The 21st century has witnessed a complete revolution in the understanding and description of bacteria in eco- systems and microbial assemblages, and how they are regulated by complex interactions among microbes, hosts, and environments. The human organism is no longer considered a monolithic assembly of tissues, but is instead a true ecosystem composed of human cells, bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses. As such, humans are not unlike other complex ecosystems containing microbial assemblages observed in the marine and earth environments. They all share a basic functional principle: Chemical communication is the universal language that allows such groups to properly function together. These chemical networks regulate interactions like metabolic exchange, antibiosis and symbiosis, and communication. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Chemical Sciences Roundtable organized a series of four seminars in the autumn of 2016 to explore the current advances, opportunities, and challenges toward unveiling this "chemical dark matter" and its role in the regulation and function of different ecosystems. The first three focused on specific ecosystems?earth, marine, and human?and the last on all microbiome systems. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the seminars. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction 2 Illuminating the Microbial Dark Matter Beneath Your Feet: Microbial Catalysis in the Terrestrial Subsurface - Kelly C. Wrighton, Rebecca A. Daly, and Michael J. Wilkins 3 Life in High-Temperature Environments: Modern-Day Analogs of Early Earth Still Relevant Today - William P. Inskeep 4 Advancing Our Understanding of the Chemistry of Soil Microbiomes - Trent R. Northen, Zheyun Zhang, Jian Gao, Tami Swenson, and Yasuo Yoshikuni 5 Envisioning a Chemical Metaproteomics Capability for Biochemical Research and Diagnosis of Global Ocean Microbiomes - Mak A. Saito, Chip Breier, Mike Jakuba, Matthew McIlvin, and Dawn Moran 6 Chemical Ecology: The Language of Microbiomes - Mark E. Hay, Deanna S. Beatty, and Frank J. Stewart 7 Organic Nutrient Chemistry and the Marine Microbiome - Daniel J. Repeta and Rene M. Boiteau 8 Digitizing the Chemistry Associated with Microbes: Importance, Current Status, and Opportunities - Pieter C. Dorrestein 9 Deciphering the Chemistry of the Human Gut Microbiome - Emily P. Balskus 10 Engineering the Microbiome for Human Health Applications - Timothy K. Lu, Mark Mimee, Robert J. Citorik, and Karen Pepper 11 Talking with Molecules: Marine Bacteria and Microalgae - Mohammad R. Seyedsayamdost 12 Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling and Its Application to Microbial Communities - Jennifer L. Reed 13 Epilogue After the Panel Discussions Appendix A: Seminars Agendas Appendix B: Biographic Sketches of Seminars Planning Committee and Seminars Speakers Appendix C: Seminars Attendees

Undergraduate Chemistry Education is the summary of a workshop convened in May 2013 by the Chemical Science Roundtable of the National Research Council to explore the current state of undergraduate chemistry education. Research and innovation in undergraduate chemistry education has been done for many years, and one goal of this workshop was to assist in the transfer of lessons learned from the education research community to faculty members whose expertise lies in the field of chemistry rather than in education. Through formal presentations and panel discussions, participants from academia, industry, and funding organizations explored drivers of change in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education; innovations in chemistry education; and challenges and opportunities in chemistry education reform. Undergraduate Chemistry Education discusses large-scale innovations that are transferable, widely applicable, and/or proven successful, with specific consideration of drivers and metrics of change, barriers to implementation of changes, and examples of innovation in the classroom. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction and Overview 2 Drivers and Metrics 3 Innovations and Barriers 4 Industry Perspectives 5 Final Thoughts and Discussion References Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Workshop Agenda Appendix C: Biographical Information Appendix D: Workshop Attendees

This report to the Chemical Sciences Roundtable presents a collection of contributed papers that report success stories for increasing diversity. The report provides background information on the value of diversity in the undergraduate environment, and the success stories address both undergraduate and graduate chemistry programs as well as chemical industry.

Faced with the steady rise in energy costs, dwindling fossil fuel supplies, and the need to maintain a healthy environment - exploration of alternative energy sources is essential for meeting energy needs. Biological systems employ a variety of efficient ways to collect, store, use, and produce energy. By understanding the basic processes of biological models, scientists may be able to create systems that mimic biomolecules and produce energy in an efficient and cost effective manner. On May 14-15, 2007 a group of chemists, chemical engineers, and others from academia, government, and industry participated in a workshop sponsored by the Chemical Sciences Roundtable to explore how bioinspired chemistry can help solve some of the important energy issues the world faces today. The workshop featured presentations and discussions on the current energy challenges and how to address them, with emphasis on both the fundamental aspects and the robust implementation of bioinspired chemistry for energy. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Overview - The Role of Bioinspired Chemistry in Improving Alternative Energy Technologies 2 Government, Industry, and Academic Perspectives on Bioinspired Chemistry for Energy 3 Fundamental Aspects of Bioinspired Chemistry for Energy 4 Robust Implementation of Bioinspired Chemistry for Energy 5 Partnerships and Integration 6 Research Challenges, Education, and Training Appendixes Appendix A: Workshop Agenda Appendix B: Biographies Appendix C: Poster Abstracts Appendix D: Workshop Attendees Appendix E: Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable

Technological Challenges in Antibiotic Discovery and Development is the summary of a workshop convened by the Chemical Sciences Roundtable in September 2013 to explore the current state of antibiotic discovery and examine the technology available to facilitate development. Through formal presentations and panel discussions, participants from academia, industry, federal research agencies discussed the technical challenges present and the incentives and disincentives industry faces in antibiotic development, and identified novel approaches to antibiotic discovery. Antibiotic resistance is a serious and growing problem in modern medicine and it is emerging as a pre-eminent public health threat. Each year in the United States alone, at least two million acquire serious infections with bacteria that are resistant to one or more antibiotics, and at least 23,000 people die annually as a direct result of these antibiotic-resistant infections. In addition to the toll on human life, antibiotic-resistant infections add considerable and avoidable costs to the already overburdened U.S. health care system. This report explores the challenges in overcoming antibiotic resistance, screening for new antibiotics, and delivering them to the sites of infection in the body. The report also discusses a path forward to develop the next generation of potent antimicrobial compounds capable of once again tilting the battle against microbial pathogens in favor of humans. Technological Challenges in Antibiotic Discovery and Development gives a broad view of the landscape of antibiotic development and the technological challenges and barriers to be overcome. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction and Overview 2 Challenges In Overcoming Antibiotic Resistance 3 Challenges in Screening 4 Challenges In Drug Delivery 5 General Observations Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Agenda Appendix C: Biographical Information Appendix D: Workshop Attendees

The Chemical Sciences Roundtable (CSR) was established in 1997 by the National Research Council (NRC). It provides a science oriented apolitical forum for leaders in the chemical sciences to discuss chemistry-related issues affecting government, industry, and universities. Organized by the National Research Council's Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology, the CSR aims to strengthen the chemical sciences by fostering communication among the people and organizations - spanning industry, government, universities, and professional associations - involved with the chemical enterprise. One way it does this is by organizing workshops that address issues in chemical science and technology that require national attention. In September 2011, the CSR organized a workshop on the topic, "The Role of Chemical Sciences in Finding Alternatives to Critical Resources." The one-and-a-half-day workshop addressed key topics, including the economic and political matrix, the history of societal responses to key mineral and material shortages, the applications for and properties of existing minerals and materials, and the chemistry of possible replacements. The workshop featured several presentations highlighting the importance of critical nonfuel mineral and material resources in history, catalysis, agriculture, and electronic, magnetic, and optical applications. The Role of the Chemical Sciences in Finding Alternatives to Critical Resources: A Workshop Summary explains the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. In accordance with the policies of the NRC, the workshop did not attempt to establish any conclusions or recommendations about needs and future directions, focusing instead on issues identified by the speakers. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction and Overview 2 Assessments of Criticality 3 Critical Materials in Catalysis 4 Replacing Critical Materials with Abundant Materials 5 Optoelectronics and Photovoltaics 6 Critical Materials in Large-Scale Battery Applications 7 General Observations References A Workshop Agenda B Organizing Committee Biographies C Guest Speaker Biographies D Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable

Based on a one-day public workshop held in Washington, DC, Opportunities and Obstacles in Large-Scale Biomass Utilization: The Role of the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Communities: A Workshop Summary explores the current state of biomass utilization for bulk-production of sustainable fuels and chemicals. The discussion focused on the chemistry and chemical engineering opportunities to meet the aforementioned objectives. Both formal presentations and breakout working groups were components of the workshop in an effort to stimulate engaging discussion among participants from widely varying fields. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction and Overview 2 Feedstocks and Conversion Technologies 3 Fuels and Chemicals from Biomass via Biological Routes 4 Fuels and Chemicals from Biomass via Thermochemical Routes 5 Heat and Power Production from Biomass 6 Final Thoughts Appendixes Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Workshop Agenda Appendix C: Biographies Appendix D: Workshop Attendees Appendix E: Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable

It is critical that we increase public knowledge and understanding of science and technology issues through formal and informal learning for the United States to maintain its competitive edge in today's global economy. Since most Americans learn about science outside of school, we must take advantage of opportunities to present chemistry content on television, the Internet, in museums, and in other informal educational settings. In May 2010, the National Academies' Chemical Sciences Roundtable held a workshop to examine how the public obtains scientific information informally and to discuss methods that chemists can use to improve and expand efforts to reach a general, nontechnical audience. Workshop participants included chemical practitioners (e.g., graduate students, postdocs, professors, administrators); experts on informal learning; public and private funding organizations; science writers, bloggers, publishers, and university communications officers; and television and Internet content producers. Chemistry in Primetime and Online is a factual summary of what occurred in that workshop. Chemistry in Primetime and Online examines science content, especially chemistry, in various informal educational settings. It explores means of measuring recognition and retention of the information presented in various media formats and settings. Although the report does not provide any conclusions or recommendations about needs and future directions, it does discuss the need for chemists to connect more with professional writers, artists, or videographers, who know how to communicate with and interest general audiences. It also emphasizes the importance of formal education in setting the stage for informal interactions with chemistry and chemists. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Overview 2 Introduction to Informal Learning 3 Chemistry in Print 4 Local Outreach Efforts 5 Chemistry in Museums 6 Chemistry in Video, in Movies, and on the Radio 7 Tools and Techniques 8 Workshop Wrap-up Session Appendixes Appendix A: Select References Appendix B: Workshop Agenda Appendix C: Biographies Appendix D: Workshop Attendees Appendix E: Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable

A strong chemical workforce in the United States will be essential to the ability to address many issues of societal concern in the future, including demand for renewable energy, more advanced materials, and more sophisticated pharmaceuticals. High school chemistry teachers have a critical role to play in engaging and supporting the chemical workforce of the future, but they must be sufficiently knowledgeable and skilled to produce the levels of scientific literacy that students need to succeed. To identify key leverage points for improving high school chemistry education, the National Academies' Chemical Sciences Roundtable held a public workshop, summarized in this volume, that brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, scientific societies, and foundations involved in outreach programs for high school chemistry teachers. Presentations at the workshop, which was held in August 2008, addressed the current status of high school chemistry education; provided examples of public and private outreach programs for high school chemistry teachers; and explored ways to evaluate the success of these outreach programs. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Overview 2 Science and Science Education in the United States 3 The High School Chemistry Teacher: Status and Outlook 4 Initiatives by Federal Agencies 5 Exemplary Programs 6 Activities by Nonprofit and For-Profit Organizations 7 Future Actions Appendixes Appendix A: Workshop Agenda Appendix B: Biographies Appendix C: Poster Abstracts Appendix D: Workshop Attendees Appendix E: Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable

Experts in the areas of water science and chemistry from the government, industry, and academic arenas discussed ways to maximize opportunities for these disciplines to work together to develop and apply simple technologies while addressing some of the world's key water and health problems. Since global water challenges cross both scientific disciplines, the chemical sciences have the ability to be a key player in improving the lives of billions of people around the world. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary Context and Overview 1 Meeting the Global Water Challenge 2 Green Chemistry: The Impact on Water Quality and Supplies 3 Methylmercury Contamination of Aquatic Ecosystems: A Widespread Problem with Many Challenges for the Chemical Sciences Water Quality and Supply: Analysis and Treatment 4 Desalination: Limitations and Challenges 5 Organic Contaminants in the Environment: Challenges for the Water/Environmental Engineering Commmunity 6 AquasentinelSM: Biosensors for Rapid Monitoring of Primary-Source Drinking Water Business Opportunities and Responsibilities 7 Some New Approaches at the Orange County Water District 8 A Perspective from a Water Company 9 Sustainable Development: Role of Industrial Water Management 10 Water Solutions and Strategies in the Chemical Industry 11 Classifying Drinking Water Contamination for Regulatory Consideration Appendix A: Workshop Participants Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of Workshop Speakers Appendix C: Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable Appendix D: For Further Reading

Going green is a hot topic in both chemistry and chemical engineering. Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. Green engineering is the development and commercialization of economically feasible industrial processes that reduce the risk to human health and the environment. This book summarizes a workshop convened by the National Research Council to explore the widespread implementation of green chemistry and chemical engineering concepts into undergraduate and graduate education and how to integrate these concepts into the established and developing curricula. Speakers highlighted the most effective educational practices to date and discussed the most promising educational materials and software tools in green chemistry and engineering. The goal of the workshop was to inform the Chemical Sciences Roundtable, which provides a science-oriented, apolitical forum for leaders in the chemical sciences to discuss chemically related issues affecting government, industry, and universities. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Overview 2 Current Status 3 Tools and Materials 4 Where Do We Go from Here? 5 Overarching Curricula and Implementation Ideas Appendix A Summary of Pre-Workshop Participant Survey Appendix B Summary of Green Chemistry and Green Engineering Education Efforts Appendix C Workshop Agenda Appendix D Biographies Appendix E Workshop Attendees Appendix F Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable

On October 25-26, 2005, the Chemical Sciences Roundtable held a workshop to explore issues involving those who use and contribute to chemical literature, as well as those who publish and disseminate chemical journals. As a follow-up to the workshop, a summary was written to capture the presentations and discussions that occurred during the workshop. As a forum to discuss chemistry journals within the larger context of scientific, technical and medical journal publishing, the workshop covered whether chemists and chemical engineers have unique journal needs and, if so, whether these needs are being met in the current journal publishing environment. Workshop participants also tackled how open access publishing might be applied to the chemical literature, such as to provide authors more freedom to distribute their articles after publication and allowing free access to chemical literature archives. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Overview 2 Historical Perspective 3 Challenges of Web Publication 4 Cost 5 Access 6 Archives 7 Open Access Appendix A Workshop Agenda Appendix B List of Participants Appendix C Biographic Sketches of Workshop Speakers Appendix D Origin of and Information on the Chemical Sciences Roundtable