Watch this space

A new year is a time to recap and we’ve recently been looking back at the year’s most important events. It’s been another rollercoaster year, with some impressive scientific breakthroughs and worrying geopolitical developments. As the new year starts and we take stock of what to expect – you might be forgiven for muttering an exasperated ‘Oh God, what now?’

Russia’s war on Ukraine has gripped the news cycle in 2022. Unfortunately, the war looks set to drag on well into 2023, but there are hopeful signs that the tide is turning in Ukraine’s favour with military commentators predicting further major breakthroughs in 2023. Ukraine’s success on the battlefield has now led the nation’s chemists to consider how to go about rebuilding labs and institutions damaged and destroyed by the war. Regeneration and renewal are certain to be a key theme this year.