Chemophobia and the chemist's mindset: the quest for a new legitimacy of chemistry
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F00216208%3A11310%2F25%3A10510105" target="_blank" >RIV/00216208:11310/25:10510105 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://verso.is.cuni.cz/pub/verso.fpl?fname=obd_publikace_handle&handle=yYNEYR.hKZ" target="_blank" >https://verso.is.cuni.cz/pub/verso.fpl?fname=obd_publikace_handle&handle=yYNEYR.hKZ</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00706-025-03354-0" target="_blank" >10.1007/s00706-025-03354-0</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Chemophobia and the chemist's mindset: the quest for a new legitimacy of chemistry
Original language description
In this article, we address the growing challenge of chemophobia-an irrational fear of chemicals and chemistry-that deeply affects not only science education and public trust, but also the identity of chemists themselves. We examine how cultural narratives, educational gaps, and misinformation contribute to this phenomenon, which has led to a significant decline in chemistry enrollment and a worrying shortage of chemistry teachers across Europe. Based on recent studies and our own reflections, we argue that tackling chemophobia requires more than just correcting misconceptions. It demands a renewed commitment from within the chemical community. We therefore introduce the concept of the chemist's mindset-a dynamic framework that unites scientific rigor with imagination, perseverance, and the courage to engage with society. Through the example of Louis Pasteur, we illustrate how this mindset can become a catalyst for change-not only in laboratories but in public discourse and cultural understanding. Pasteur's legacy reminds us that chemistry must be both precise and visible, both technical and human. To reclaim chemistry's legitimacy, we believe chemists must communicate not only data but meaning, not only discoveries but stories. Our goal is to help redefine the public role of chemists in the twenty-first century-as credible, empathetic, and imaginative contributors to solving global challenges. It is time to embody chemistry in its fullest sense: as a science of transformation and as a force of trust. Ultimately, chemists must become not just discoverers, but visible and credible actors in the public sphere.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
60301 - Philosophy, History and Philosophy of science and technology
Result continuities
Project
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Continuities
I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Monatshefte für Chemie - Chemical Monthly
ISSN
0026-9247
e-ISSN
1434-4475
Volume of the periodical
156
Issue of the periodical within the volume
10
Country of publishing house
AT - AUSTRIA
Number of pages
7
Pages from-to
987-993
UT code for WoS article
001541840200001
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-105012367527