This preface introduces a special issue of *Science China Chemistry* dedicated to the International Year of Chemistry (IYC) 2011, marking the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Chemistry Prize awarded to Marie Curie. The issue features 28 papers contributed by scientists from 18 countries, including students, members of national academies, and two Nobel Laureates. The papers cover fundamental chemistry, the chemical basis of life processes, and their potential applications, aligning with the IYC theme "Chemistry—our life, our future." The journal has been actively expanding its international scope, publishing more papers from outside China, and this issue is a significant step in that direction. The preface also highlights the contributions of female scientists and emphasizes the global importance of chemistry in addressing common challenges such as energy, resource conservation, environmental protection, food safety, and public health.This preface introduces a special issue of *Science China Chemistry* dedicated to the International Year of Chemistry (IYC) 2011, marking the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Chemistry Prize awarded to Marie Curie. The issue features 28 papers contributed by scientists from 18 countries, including students, members of national academies, and two Nobel Laureates. The papers cover fundamental chemistry, the chemical basis of life processes, and their potential applications, aligning with the IYC theme "Chemistry—our life, our future." The journal has been actively expanding its international scope, publishing more papers from outside China, and this issue is a significant step in that direction. The preface also highlights the contributions of female scientists and emphasizes the global importance of chemistry in addressing common challenges such as energy, resource conservation, environmental protection, food safety, and public health.