EDITORIAL
The Role of Chemists and Chemical Engineers in Critical Technologies It is not unreasonable to expect chemists and chemical engineers involved in basic and applied research activities to be able to communicate the usefulness of their research, not only to other scientists but also to informed nonscientists. This is especially important in the context of so-called critical technology areas, because for any developed nation these technologies are intimately coupled to national economic issues. In the United States, recent studies point to several important topics: materials, manufacturing, information and communications, biotechnology and life sciences, aeronautics and surface transportation, and energy and the environment. A recent National Research Council publication, Critical Technologies: The Role of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, gives an excellent presentation of numerous connections between these critical technologies and the research activities of chemists and chemical engineers. The text is qualitative; it has no equations or chemical formulas, but the discussion authoritatively a d dresses an enormous range of subjects. Documents such as this are valuable communication aids for all scientists, especially for those involved in the interfaces between science and public policy, science and business, and science and journalism. The report makes numerous obser-
vations about the research that will be needed to support objectives of future technology. It avoids promoting any particular area of chemistry or chemical engineering, but for those in different subdisciplines, including analytical chemistry, it will not be difficult to discern the research opportunities and challenges. Noteworthy is the profusion of problems related to materials chemistry, polymer interfaces, ceramic microstructure, and membrane transport selectivity, to mention a few. Also noteworthy are those problems related to energy and environmental issues; analytical chemists are certain to face needs for new kinds of measurements as existing technologies are modified to become more efficient and environmentally benign. It is worth trying to understand the driving forces for new technologies that will often demand or even be built upon new analytical methodology. I found this report especially thought-provoking in that regard. Copies of Critical Technologies: The Role of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering can be obtained by writing to the Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology, NRC, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20418.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 64, NO. 21, NOVEMBER 1, 1992
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