C&EN’s 2025 Talented 12

Every year since 2015, C&EN has introduced readers to a dozen early-career scientists who use their chemistry know-how to make a real-world impact. This year’s Talented 12 cohort embodies the same smarts, creativity, and grit. These scientists are advancing practical solutions for plastics recycling and sustainable agriculture. They are developing a deeper understanding of protein function, atmospheric aerosols, and the fate of persistent pollutants. And that’s just a start.There are many brilliant young chemists and chemical engineers out there. C&EN’s readers proposed almost 370 individuals for this year’s Talented 12 class. Whittling the impressive list of nominees down to only a dozen took a lot of deliberation. We are excited to present to you these rising stars. We hope you’ll be just as impressed as we are by their bold vision and their dedication to solving important problems.