The inaugural issue of Nature Chemical Engineering features perspectives from nine experts in chemical engineering on the future of their fields. Chemical engineering provides a versatile framework for solving complex, coupled systems-oriented challenges. Core chemical engineering principles are essential for addressing pressing scientific and societal challenges in practical and quantitative ways. These principles are crucial for maximizing efficiency, developing and controlling processes, improving costs, and reducing environmental impacts and labor demand. Laura Torrente-Murciano highlights the need for a new, greener chemical industry that shifts from fossil fuels to sustainable feedstocks powered by renewable energy. This includes developing new conversion processes using biomass, CO2, recyclable materials, and water to produce conventional and new platform chemicals. Energy-efficient separation processes and novel process integrations are also essential for reducing energy consumption. Jennifer B. Dunn emphasizes the role of chemical engineering in systems-level thinking to address societal challenges. Chemical engineers are uniquely positioned to guide technology research and development towards commercially viable, environmentally beneficial solutions. Tools like techno-economic assessment and life-cycle analysis are essential for evaluating the environmental impact of emerging technologies. Panagiotis D. Christofides discusses the development of learning-based algorithms for process control, safety, and cybersecurity in chemical engineering. Advances in machine learning and data science are enabling more accurate and efficient control systems, while also addressing the challenges of process safety and cybersecurity. Jay D. Keasling explores the engineering of biochemical factories for natural products. Advances in biosynthetic pathway engineering and metabolic engineering are enabling the production of complex molecules more efficiently and sustainably. Challenges remain in scaling these processes for industrial production. Sharon C. Glotzer focuses on assembly engineering for materials systems by design and on demand. Future materials systems will be multifunctional and capable of performing complex tasks, with the ability to disassemble into recyclable components when no longer needed. Sang Yup Lee discusses metabolic and bioprocess engineering for sustainable production of chemicals. Advances in metabolic engineering and bioprocess development are enabling the production of industrially important chemicals from renewable sources, reducing reliance on petrochemicals. Kevin M. Van Geem emphasizes the importance of reaction engineering for a net-zero chemical industry. Reaction engineering plays a crucial role in transitioning from fossil-based resources to sustainable alternatives, with the potential for significant contributions in areas such as plastic waste conversion and hydrogen production. Jean Tom highlights the role of chemical engineers in producing pharmaceuticals at scale for improved human health. Chemical engineers are essential in linking drug discovery to large-scale production, ensuring that new medicines are accessible to patients worldwide. The field is expanding to include drug discovery, therapy design, and synthetic chemistry, with new tools and approaches enabling faster and more efficient drug development. The future of chemical engineering lies in its ability to address complex challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices. Chemical engineers are at the forefront of developing new technologies and processes that will shape the future of industry, energy, and society.The inaugural issue of Nature Chemical Engineering features perspectives from nine experts in chemical engineering on the future of their fields. Chemical engineering provides a versatile framework for solving complex, coupled systems-oriented challenges. Core chemical engineering principles are essential for addressing pressing scientific and societal challenges in practical and quantitative ways. These principles are crucial for maximizing efficiency, developing and controlling processes, improving costs, and reducing environmental impacts and labor demand. Laura Torrente-Murciano highlights the need for a new, greener chemical industry that shifts from fossil fuels to sustainable feedstocks powered by renewable energy. This includes developing new conversion processes using biomass, CO2, recyclable materials, and water to produce conventional and new platform chemicals. Energy-efficient separation processes and novel process integrations are also essential for reducing energy consumption. Jennifer B. Dunn emphasizes the role of chemical engineering in systems-level thinking to address societal challenges. Chemical engineers are uniquely positioned to guide technology research and development towards commercially viable, environmentally beneficial solutions. Tools like techno-economic assessment and life-cycle analysis are essential for evaluating the environmental impact of emerging technologies. Panagiotis D. Christofides discusses the development of learning-based algorithms for process control, safety, and cybersecurity in chemical engineering. Advances in machine learning and data science are enabling more accurate and efficient control systems, while also addressing the challenges of process safety and cybersecurity. Jay D. Keasling explores the engineering of biochemical factories for natural products. Advances in biosynthetic pathway engineering and metabolic engineering are enabling the production of complex molecules more efficiently and sustainably. Challenges remain in scaling these processes for industrial production. Sharon C. Glotzer focuses on assembly engineering for materials systems by design and on demand. Future materials systems will be multifunctional and capable of performing complex tasks, with the ability to disassemble into recyclable components when no longer needed. Sang Yup Lee discusses metabolic and bioprocess engineering for sustainable production of chemicals. Advances in metabolic engineering and bioprocess development are enabling the production of industrially important chemicals from renewable sources, reducing reliance on petrochemicals. Kevin M. Van Geem emphasizes the importance of reaction engineering for a net-zero chemical industry. Reaction engineering plays a crucial role in transitioning from fossil-based resources to sustainable alternatives, with the potential for significant contributions in areas such as plastic waste conversion and hydrogen production. Jean Tom highlights the role of chemical engineers in producing pharmaceuticals at scale for improved human health. Chemical engineers are essential in linking drug discovery to large-scale production, ensuring that new medicines are accessible to patients worldwide. The field is expanding to include drug discovery, therapy design, and synthetic chemistry, with new tools and approaches enabling faster and more efficient drug development. The future of chemical engineering lies in its ability to address complex challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices. Chemical engineers are at the forefront of developing new technologies and processes that will shape the future of industry, energy, and society.