With this award, Professors Linda Broadbelt and Eugene Chen of Northwestern University (NU) and Colorado State University (CSU), respectively, are studying data-driven design of recyclable plastics using artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). A large majority of today's commodity polymers were invented in the 1930s – 1950s and further developed for performance, durability, profitability, scalability, and disposability, rather than for efficient reuse of resources at their end of life. The linear economy framework of the "mine, make, use, dispose" model not only accelerated depletion of finite natural resources but also brought about enormous material value loss to the economy. The NU-CSU team proposes to address these challenges by using AI/ML coupled with experimental approaches to design chemically recyclable polymers, materials that can be selectively and rapidly depolymerized back to their monomers for virgin-quality polymer reproduction, improving energy efficiency and use of domestic resources. The project will build on the AI/ML tools to develop new approaches and open-source software that can be applied to effectively design and realize next-generation reusable polymers in real-world applications and marketplaces. To realize the potential of AI/ML applied to the design of plastics, an informed and educated workforce is critical. The project will train multiple graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the AI/ML approach that will be develope