IUPAC during COVID-19

Colin Humphris

doi:10.1515/ci-2020-0301

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IUPAC during COVID-19

Colin Humphris

Published/Copyright: July 16, 2020

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From the journal Chemistry International Volume 42 Issue 3

Abstract

I have just been listening to an intriguing debate that is underway in the UK. The theme was how to come out of lockdown, to both restart the economy and protect public health whilst the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still out there. Effective treatments and vaccines have yet to be proven. I am sure similar discussions are underway in many countries across the world. It underlines the anxieties and uncertainties we all face with regards our health, our families and friends, our finances and our work. This is at a time when the international chemistry community is mourning the premature passing of friends, colleagues and loyal servants.

IUPAC is not immune to this uncertainty. It is having to adjust to working during the pandemic and considering how it can remain effective in the future. As Treasurer it won’t surprise you to know that I worry about the financial implications for the Union. There is an expectation of a deep recession and only a slow return to a semblance of normality. The new “Normal” may be very different. Governments are taking on substantial debt to protect their economies. This will need to be repaid potentially limiting future funding for science.

It is however also clear that there will be opportunities as we design and implement new ways forward at a time of disruptive change. The good news is that the reports to Bureau in April underlined a very high level of activity throughout the Divisions and Committees, working virtually through various digital media.

Bureau highlighted a number of issues that are worthy of debate and I want to encourage all chemists to contribute to this:

This is a time when analytical standards, unambiguous nomenclature and reliable, critically evaluated data will be invaluable for diagnostics and testing, supporting vaccine development and ensuring the maintenance of standards throughout key supply chains including food. Bureau agreed a work group to identify how IUPAC can best assist the UN bodies in the front line including the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Many international conferences and meetings have been cancelled or postponed this year. Some are already proceeding virtually. In the future, people may be reluctant to attendance of international meetings in person, have difficulty finding travel insurance, and cheap, convenient flights. How should such meetings be redesigned to make them more worthwhile, to make physical presence far more valuable than simply attending virtually? Alternatively, how can we enhance virtual meetings to provide better networking opportunities and ways to develop relationships that are otherwise lost.
The return to practical research work needs to be safe. There is experience out there and IUPAC may be able to help by facilitating sharing of this and proven practice in other sectors. Webinars are being suggested on this subject.

During the biennium 2018-19 IUPAC made an operating loss of US $350k and adjustments were already in place to address this unsustainable position including the extensive use of virtual meetings. I am however anticipating further:

Pressure on subscriptions as governments economise and reprioritise their expenditure. Chemists should continue to encourage their National Adhering Organisations to support IUPAC and also consider joining IUPAC themselves through the Affiliate Membership Program (AMP) or for industry through the Company Associate (CA) program.
Loss of publishing income as a result the postponement of conferences and delays in publishing of their proceedings in Pure and Applied Chemistry (PAC). We need to be creative to ensure a steady flow of content for PAC.
Increasing costs of travel as the airline industry restructures.

We will be seeking additional income through sponsorship of activities such as the Periodic Table Challenge 2.0. We are proceeding with the creation of the Centenary Endowment Fund to support our strategic priorities. We fortunately also have a Review Team whose work is already underway. Their objectives are to recommend:

Directions for the scientific work of the union going forward, and how to structure the Union to achieve its scientific objectives.
Ways of working that would reduce costs and improve efficiency.

The Covid-19 pandemic provides additional context, impetus and urgency to the team’s work. Please look out for opportunities to contribute to the Review or offer feedback, and please stay safe.

Online erschienen: 2020-07-16

Erschienen im Druck: 2020-07-01

©2020 IUPAC & De Gruyter. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. For more information, please visit: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/ci-2020-0301