Chemistry is out to improve its image, declaring 2011 the International Year of Chemistry, when the achievements of this discipline and its contribution to solving the so-called Grand Challenges will be highlighted.
This year is also the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize being awarded to Marie Curie and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Association of Chemical Societies, providing a chance to highlight the benefits of international scientific collaboration.
The International Year of Chemistry is supported by IUPAC, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation. It involves chemical societies, academies, and institutions worldwide. The year will include a number of events which are intended to emphasise that chemistry is a creative science, is essential for sustainability, and is critical for ensuring food and water supplies, developing alternative energy sources, and so on.
In addition, the Year of Chemistry will help enhance international cooperation by serving as a focal point for activities by national chemical societies, educational institutions, industry, government, and non-government organisations.
The idea for an international year was first discussed by IUPAC in 2006, with the designation being agreed by UNESCO in April 2008.
More information: www.chemistry2011.org
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