What the world’s 2024 elections mean for chemistry

At least 70 countries have had or will have national elections in 2024 , directly affecting more than 40% of the world’s population. While chemistry and science in general aren’t typically central campaign issues themselves, research and development, education, and other chemistry-related issues often are. The full implications of the elections included in this report have yet to become clear, but the following briefings highlight the themes that emerged from elections in 6 countries and the European Union. Both elections that we haven’t been able to include here and those that are upcoming, such as the recently called election in Japan that’s set for Oct. 27, will also affect the field and related industries. European Union June 6–9 The June European Union parliamentary elections seemed, at first glance, to maintain the status quo. EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s center-right-wing group of parties kept power. But the full results