The new chemistry of the elements

In May 2014, a discussion meeting entitled ‘The new chemistry of the elements’ took place—the first ever linking the Royal Society and the German Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina. The meeting confirmed and highlighted that the periodic table not only still represents the best way of understanding and mastering the fascinating and diverse science and technological applications of the known 114 chemical elements, but also underpins diverse multi-disciplinary research, inspiring and catalysing new advances and new avenues of research across the physical, biological and medical sciences.