Research progress in three areas is described. Progress achieved in the extensive experimental investigation of the oxidation and pyrolysis of cyclopentadiene is summarized first. The mechanistic implications of the experimental work are also discussed. An overview is given of the successful research effort devoted to modelling flow reactor toluene and benzene oxidation data. As mentioned above, one of the ultimate goals of this research is to develop a comprehensive, detailed chemical kinetic model of aromatics oxidation. The success already achieved in this effort augurs well for reaching the broader goal. The toluene/benzene model, however, does have a number of shortcomings which suggest the need for further experiments. A description is given of attempts to predict the laminar flame speeds of toluene and benzene. The difficulties encountered and the solutions found highlight the need of an examination of certain chemical steps that impact most the energy release of a burning aromatic fuel.