Quo Vadis, Macromolecular Science? Reflections by the IUPAC Polymer Division on the Occasion of the Staudinger Centenary

We survey the past, present and future of polymers and macromolecular science, both in general and giving specific examples from our diverse array of research backgrounds within polymer science and technology. As befitting our common bond, we pay some attention to the role of IUPAC. In line with this being part of a Rosarium philosophorum, one might say we conclude that it is Citius, Altius, Fortius for polymers in the century ahead, by which we mean “faster engagement, higher value, stronger properties”, and one should also add “longer usage”. In this way our broad community will continue to build on the century that has passed since Hermann Staudinger launched macromolecular science.