The inaugural issue of *Nature Chemical Engineering* features perspectives from nine expert scientists in various branches of chemical engineering, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in their respective fields. The articles emphasize the importance of core chemical engineering principles in addressing pressing scientific and societal issues, such as net-zero emissions, sustainable feedstocks, energy-efficient processes, and the development of new materials. Laura Torrente-Murciano discusses the need to redesign the chemical industry for net-zero emissions, focusing on the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable feedstocks and the development of new conversion processes. Jennifer B. Dunn highlights the role of chemical engineering in addressing societal challenges, such as plastic pollution and energy transition, through systems thinking and life-cycle analysis. Panagiotis D. Christofides explores the use of machine learning for process control, safety, and cybersecurity in industrial chemical plants. Jay D. Keasling discusses the engineering of biochemical factories for natural products, emphasizing the importance of metabolic engineering and bioprocess optimization. Sharon C. Glotzer outlines the future of materials systems, which will be multifunctional and designed for specific applications. Sang Yup Lee focuses on metabolic and bioprocess engineering for sustainable production of chemicals, highlighting the role of chemical engineers in developing optimal bioprocesses. Kevin M. Van Geem emphasizes the importance of reaction engineering in achieving a net-zero chemical industry, particularly in the context of hydrogen and electrification. Jean Tom discusses the role of chemical engineers in producing pharmaceuticals at scale, emphasizing the integration of chemical engineering with drug discovery and biological engineering. Overall, the articles underscore the versatility and critical role of chemical engineering in addressing global challenges and driving innovation in various sectors.The inaugural issue of *Nature Chemical Engineering* features perspectives from nine expert scientists in various branches of chemical engineering, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in their respective fields. The articles emphasize the importance of core chemical engineering principles in addressing pressing scientific and societal issues, such as net-zero emissions, sustainable feedstocks, energy-efficient processes, and the development of new materials. Laura Torrente-Murciano discusses the need to redesign the chemical industry for net-zero emissions, focusing on the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable feedstocks and the development of new conversion processes. Jennifer B. Dunn highlights the role of chemical engineering in addressing societal challenges, such as plastic pollution and energy transition, through systems thinking and life-cycle analysis. Panagiotis D. Christofides explores the use of machine learning for process control, safety, and cybersecurity in industrial chemical plants. Jay D. Keasling discusses the engineering of biochemical factories for natural products, emphasizing the importance of metabolic engineering and bioprocess optimization. Sharon C. Glotzer outlines the future of materials systems, which will be multifunctional and designed for specific applications. Sang Yup Lee focuses on metabolic and bioprocess engineering for sustainable production of chemicals, highlighting the role of chemical engineers in developing optimal bioprocesses. Kevin M. Van Geem emphasizes the importance of reaction engineering in achieving a net-zero chemical industry, particularly in the context of hydrogen and electrification. Jean Tom discusses the role of chemical engineers in producing pharmaceuticals at scale, emphasizing the integration of chemical engineering with drug discovery and biological engineering. Overall, the articles underscore the versatility and critical role of chemical engineering in addressing global challenges and driving innovation in various sectors.