Theodor Förster's name is forever linked to FRET (Förster resonance energy transfer) and while his development of FRET theory is well known and recognized, only few is documented about his scientific career and life from 1933 to 1951. By reviewing documents from different archives, this Viewpoint Article discusses Förster's life and career before, during, and after National Socialism in Germany.

Despite its widely appreciated significance, most research on mental health is published in journals focusing on education, social science, psychology, or psychiatry. This contribution intends to enhance discussion between those disciplines and the STEM field by pointing toward relevant studies, advocating for increased knowledge on mental health, and elaborating on what benefits improved mental health literacy could have for both the individual and the academic system in its entirety.

South Africa's rich natural resources fuelled its industrialisation but are marred by its colonial past. Despite 30 years of democracy, deep inequalities remain, with infectious diseases disproportionately affecting disadvantaged communities. Chemistry and biomedical research can help to address these challenges. This Viewpoint advocates for chemistry-driven advancements tailored to South Africa's socioeconomic needs to improve healthcare and economic outcomes.

Cognitive diversity explores aspects beyond traditional lenses of culture, physical diversity, and merit and into variations in problem solving skills. Understanding aspects that need to be recognized in recruitment for various scientific enterprises will promote higher productivity, efficiency, diversity and heterogeneity in a team.

The depletion of natural resources and the extensive use of oxidative processes by humans violate a number of Earth's planetary boundaries, threatening our very existence. Chemistry is largely responsible for this situation, but it is also central to the solutions. Transitioning to a more “reductive” approach—especially using green hydrogen and sustainable chemistry within the framework of a circular economy—is one of the key solutions.