A diverse view of science to catalyse change:Valuing diversity leads to scientific excellence, the progress of science and, most importantly, it is simply the right thing to do. we must value diversity not only in words, but also in actions

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A diverse view of science to catalyse change

Valuing diversity leads to scientific excellence, the progress of science and, most importantly, it is simply the right thing to do. We must value diversity not only in words, but also in actions

Exploration of Mechanochemical Activation in Solid-State Fluoro-Grignard Reactions

Owing to the strength of the C–F bond, the ‘direct’ preparation of Grignard reagents, i.e., the interaction of elemental magnesium with an organic halide, typically in an ethereal solvent, fails for bulk magnesium and organofluorine compounds. Previously described mechanochemical methods for preparing Grignard reagents have involved ball milling powdered magnesium with organochlorines or bromines. Activation of the C–F bond through a similar route is also possible, however. For example, milling 1- and 2-fluoronaphthalene with an excess of magnesium metal for 2 h, followed by treatment with FeCl3 and additional milling, produces the corresponding binaphthalenes, albeit in low yields (ca. 20%). The yields are independent of the particular isomer involved and are also comparable to the yields from corresponding the bromonaphthalenes. These results may reflect similar charges that reside on the α-carbon in the naphthalenes, as indicated by density functional theory calculations

Mechanochemical Synthesis of a Mercury(II) Metal-Organic Framework Reveals a Two-Dimensional Polymorph Stabilized by Weak Interactions

Solid-state mechanochemistry revealed a novel polymorph of the mercury(II) imidazolate framework, based on square-grid (sql) topology layers. Reaction monitoring and periodic density functional theory calculations show that the sql-structure is of higher stability than the previously reported three-dimensional structure, with the unexpected stabilization of a lower dimensionality structure explained by contributions of weak interactions, which include short C-H···Hg contacts

A Diverse View of Science to Catalyse Change

Valuing diversity leads to scientific excellence, the progress of science and most importantly, it is simply the right thing to do. We can value diversity not only in words, but also in actions. From the structure of DNA,1 to computer science,2 and space-station batteries,3 several key scientific discoveries that enhance our lives today, were made by marginalized scientists. These three scientists, Rosalind E. Franklin, Alan M. Turing and Olga D. González-Sanabria, did not conform to the cultural expectations of how scientists should look and behave. Unfortunately, marginalized scientists are often viewed as just a resource rather than the lifeblood that constitutes science itself. We need to embrace scientists from all walks of life and corners of the globe; this will also mean that nobody is excluded from tackling the life-threatening societal challenges that lie ahead. An awareness of science policy is essential to safeguarding our future. Science policy deals with creating the framework and codes of conduct that determine how science can best serve society.4-6 Discussions around science policy are often accompanied by anecdotes of “good” and “bad” practices regarding the merits of diversity and inclusion. Excellence and truth, which flow inexorably from diversity and inclusion, are the bedrocks upon which science should influence political and economic outcomes. A vital area of science policy is to support the professional development of marginalized scientists, an objective that must be acted upon by scientific leaders and communicators..