International Year of Chemistry 2011
The International Year of Chemistry 2011 (IYC 2011), a joint initiative of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is a worldwide celebration of the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the well-being of humankind.
The initiative involves chemical societies, academies, and institutions worldwide, and relies on individual initiatives to organize local and regional activities, all focusing on achieving four key goals:
- Increase public appreciation of Chemistry in meeting world needs
- Encourage an interest in Chemistry among young people
- Generate enthusiasm for the creative future of Chemistry
- Celebrate the achievements of Marie Curie and the contributions of women to Chemistry.
Incidentally, the year 2011 commemorates the 100th anniversary of Marie Sklodowska-Curie's receipt of the 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry as well as the 100th anniversary of the founding of the IUPAC.
Which events?
IYC 2011 events will emphasize that chemistry is a creative science essential for sustainability and improvements to our way of life. Activities, such as lectures, exhibits, and hands-on experiments, will explore how chemical research is critical for solving our most vexing global problems involving food, water, health, energy, transportation, and more.
In addition, the Year of Chemistry will help enhance international cooperation by serving as a focal point or information source for activities by national chemical societies, educational institutions, industry, governmental, and non-governmental organizations.
The Official International Launch Ceremony for IYC 2011 took place at UNESCO World Headquarters in Paris on 27-28 January 2011, under the aegis of the UN, UNESCO and the IUPAC. The IYC will culminate with a unique closing event in Brussels in December, marking the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize Award to Marie Curie and the 100th anniversary of the most significant scientific meetings of all times, the Solvay Conferences.
For an overview of activities
For further information such as videos and industry initiatives, please have a look at the related Cefic website or contact us at info@reachcentrum.eu