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Q&A with Dr Fanran Meng

Tell us about somebody who has inspired or mentored you in your career.

I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by many brilliant scientists. My PhD supervisors, Professor Steve Pickering and Professor Jon McKechnie at the University of Nottingham, introduced me to systems thinking and life cycle assessment. At Cambridge, Professor Jonathan Cullen helped me see the broader systems implications of my work, especially in the chemical industry. At Sheffield, Professor Joan Cordiner, FREng and Professor Tony Ryan, OBE continue to inspire me through their leadership in polymer chemistry, sustainable engineering and innovation.

What motivates you?

I’m driven by the belief that rigorous, systems-based research can inform real change. Seeing my work adopted by companies and referenced in global climate policy discussions reassures me that science can have a practical, lasting impact. It’s also deeply motivating to mentor students and early career researchers who share the same passion for sustainability.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

Don’t just look at what chemistry is – think about what it could become. The field is evolving rapidly, and your unique ideas can help redefine it. Be curious, be interdisciplinary and always consider the broader impact – social, economic, and environmental – in mind. ¾ÅÖÝÓ°Ôº isn’t just about molecules – it’s about shaping a sustainable future.

Can you tell us about a scientific development on the horizon that you are excited about?

I’m particularly excited by new approaches to transparent, facility-level emissions accounting and how they can be used to create actionable net-zero roadmaps for industries. Combining life cycle data with AI holds huge potential to make chemistry smarter and more accountable.

How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?

The chemical sciences are central to solving climate change, circularity, and resource efficiency challenges. From green chemistry to decarbonisation technologies, this field offers tools and insights that can guide entire sectors – from plastics and transport to food and energy – towards a more sustainable future.

Why do you think collaboration and teamwork are important in science?

Today’s global sustainability challenges are too complex for any single discipline or person to solve. Collaboration brings together diverse perspectives and expertise, often leading to more creative and robust solutions. Some of my most impactful work has come through interdisciplinary teamwork across academia, industry and policy.

How can scientists try to improve the environmental sustainability of research? Can you give us any examples from your own experience or context?

Scientists can start by applying the same sustainability principles we research – reducing waste, choosing low impact materials, and using digital tools to reduce travel. In my group, we’re developing life cycle tools to evaluate the environmental footprint of chemical innovation at an early stage, helping others embed sustainability into their research from the start.

What is your favourite element?

Carbon – it’s both the driver of climate change and the foundation of sustainable solutions. In our PNAS study on planet-compatible pathways for the chemical industry, we showed how reversing the current carbon flow – from extracting fossil carbon and releasing it to the atmosphere, to capturing atmospheric carbon and storing it – could deliver net-negative emissions. Carbon is not the enemy; it’s the key to circular, low-carbon futures.