IUPAC Celebrates 100th Anniversary in 2019

doi:10.1515/ci-2017-0411

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IUPAC Celebrates 100^th Anniversary in 2019

Published/Copyright: November 7, 2017

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From the journal Chemistry International Volume 39 Issue 4

Abstract

IUPAC, the globally-recognized authority on chemical nomenclature and terminology, will celebrate its 100th anniversary on 28 July 2019. The anniversary theme is A Common Language for Chemistry, and while the celebration will recognize the successes of IUPAC’s first one hundred years, its purpose is not to solely dwell upon the past. It will also look what this international community of chemists, working closely together, can contribute in meeting the world’s needs, now and in the future, through chemical research.

“For almost a century IUPAC’s mission has been to provide objective scientific expertise for the resolution of critical global issues that involve every aspect of chemistry, all of which have had societal impact,” said IUPAC President, Natalia Tarasova. “In 2019, we will pause to celebrate our successes and give serious deliberation as to how IUPAC can best continue in the years ahead to serve as an advocate for the free exchange of scientific information for the benefit of humankind worldwide. While this celebration is just one moment in time, we hope that it will have a lasting impact through events that will advocate the value and importance of science literacy to students worldwide, inspire younger generations of men and women to become the innovative chemists of the 21st century and beyond, and have a positive influence on the public’s perception of science in general and chemistry in particular.”

Preparations for the celebration have been initiated by the Centenary Planning Committee under the leadership of Professor Mary Garson and Dr. Laura McConnell. Professor Garson noted that “while the Committee has taken the lead in initiating special events, we strongly encourage IUPAC’s National and Associate National Adhering Organizations, Associated Organizations, Company Associates, Affiliates, and friends – indeed, the worldwide chemistry community, to participate in this celebration, by becoming involved in events currently in development or by creating their own.”

Garson also noted that the celebration will start in early 2018 with the monthly release of a series of stories highlighting the essential IUPAC tools and activities that were developed during the past century and continue to be used by scientists today. Other special events in development include a worldwide online competition for young students centered on the Periodic Table and IUPAC; a global breakfast for women chemists and students who will be “gathered together” in early 2019 via Skype, teleconference, and social media to celebrate the anniversary; a visualization of IUPAC’s history and its major contributions; and a summer, inspired by the IUPAC Centenary, for young graduate and post-graduate students from all over the world—in particular from Africa—with a focus on teaching Green Chemistry and its role in sustainable development. The anniversary will also be highlighted during the 47th World Chemistry Congress scheduled to take place 7-12 July 2019 at the Palais des congrès in Paris, France.

For more information on the IUPAC Centenary and the 47th World Chemistry Congress see: www.iupac.org/iupac100 and www.iupac2019.org. For information on how you or your organization can become involved in a particular event, develop your own, or take advantage of sponsorship opportunities that will be announced shortly, contact the IUPAC Secretariat and be sure to visit the IUPAC web site in the coming months for updates.

E-mail iupac100@iupac.org for more information.

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #IUPAC100

Published Online: 2017-11-7

Published in Print: 2017-10-1

Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/ci-2017-0411