How scientific research changes our world: Bala Subramaniam predicts future of chemical industry

Bala Subramaniam, Dan F. Servey distinguished professor of chemical and petroleum engineering, recently wrote an entry for “Science 2034,” a Science Coalition initiative that looks out 20 years to predict what the future may hold in various research fields.

“With the right technologies in place, the U.S. chemical industry could vault into a major manufacturer and exporter of chemicals derived from shale gas and biomass within the next decade or two,” writes Subramaniam.

Investing in scientific research, argues Subramaniam, will lead to more efficient chemical manufacturing technologies that meet growing demand while conserving both feedstock and energy.  Ultimately, a thriving chemical industry will create thousands of indigenous job opportunities throughout the United States.

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A New U.S. Chemical Industry, by Bala Subramaniam at Science2034.org