Beyond LIMS #03: National Chemistry Professional Day Special – What Does It Mean to Be a Chemist in the 21st Century?

Every June 18th, Brazil observes National Chemistry Professional Day (Dia do Profissional da Química), a date dedicated to recognizing and valuing the work of chemists, who play a fundamental role across multiple sectors of society. The day is marked and celebrated by many institutions and professionals throughout the country.

More than just a commemorative date, National Chemistry Professional Day is an invitation to reflect on the importance of this science in our lives: from food, pharmaceutical, and energy production to environmental preservation, industrial innovation, and technological development.

To honor these professionals who make a difference every day, the third episode of Beyond LIMS, the Actiz podcast, brings a special conversation with professionals working in chemistry, sharing their career paths, challenges, and perspectives on the present and future of the profession.

June 18: Why Is This National Chemistry Professional Day?

The origin of Chemist’s Day dates back to 1956, when Brazil’s Federal Council of Chemistry (CFQ) and the Regional Councils of Chemistry (CRQs) were established. This initiative brought regulation and organization to the chemistry profession in the country, ensuring the quality and safety of the activities carried out by these professionals.

Chemist’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of chemistry in our lives. This science is present in many aspects of our daily routine, from the production of food, medicines, and materials, to environmental preservation and the pursuit of sustainable solutions.

It is not an international date — it is a national celebration of the profession’s regulation and of the importance of chemists to the country’s development. The date serves to commemorate all the achievements of the profession over the past 69 years and to drive the debate on the importance of chemistry professionals to society.

Throughout history, chemistry has counted on iconic names such as Marie Curie, Antoine Lavoisier, Dmitri Mendeleev, among many others — but what interests us here is understanding how this profession has evolved in Brazil and how it has transformed over the past few decades.

A Special Episode: What Does It Mean to Be a Chemist in the 21st Century?

To mark this important date, the episode features four professionals with diverse backgrounds in chemistry, including Felippe Domingos, host of the Beyond LIMS Podcast,  Chemical Engineer and Co-founder of Actiz. The conversation brings different perspectives on the profession, connecting academic experience, hands-on practice, and future outlooks, all through real stories, deep reflections, and a close look at the transformations shaping the role of the chemist in today’s society.

Meet the guests:

• Thábita Bastos – PhD in Analytical Chemistry, specialist in laboratory quality, and management systems consultant focused on ISO/IEC 17025. She has over 20 years of experience in industrial, service, and research laboratories.
• Vinícius Lionel – Chemist and environmental scientist with a PhD, working on R&D projects related to sustainability and air quality. Having worked at UFES, INPE, and the Max Planck Institute, he connects science, data, and impact.
• Wanderson Romão – Professor and Research Director at IFES, is a specialist in forensic chemistry and mass spectrometry. With more than 140 published articles, he takes part in nationally relevant projects supported by institutions such as CNPq and CAPES.

With diverse perspectives, real stories, and deep reflections, this episode is a tribute to those who turn chemistry into a tool for transforming the world, both inside and outside the laboratory.

Listen Now to the Full Episode of Beyond LIMS #03

Available on Spotify, YouTube, and other major audio platforms.

If you are a chemist, a student in the field, or simply someone who values science and innovation, this episode is made for you.

See also: Beyond LIMS #02: Traceability and Efficiency in the Food Industry with LIMS