Chemistry—Our Life, Our Future
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) is pleased to join with industry and professional organizations throughout the U.S. and across the world in celebrating the International Year of Chemistry—2011 (also known as IYC 2011).
IYC 2011 provides a unique opportunity to embrace chemistry’s important contributions to the quality of our lives: the economy, health and medicine, energy efficiency, a cleaner environment, national security, communications, food safety, clean water and much more. The IYC slogan captures ACC’s views perfectly: “Chemistry: our life, our future.”
Background and Goals
With the active support of ACC and the U.S. government, in December, 2008 the U.N. General Assembly designated the year 2011 as the “International Year of Chemistry.” The effort was led by IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) and UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
The goals of IYC 2011 are:
- Increase public appreciation of chemistry in meeting world needs.
- Increase the interest of young people in chemistry.
- Generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry.
- Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Madame Curie’s Nobel Prize and the founding of the International Association of Chemical Societies.
In the U.S. and many nations, there will be a strong emphasis on outreach to young people including a wide range of educational activities aimed at students generally, and young women in particular.
A Global Experiment for the International Year of Chemistry
“Chemistry—our life, our future,” is the slogan of IYC 2011. During the year, a global chemistry experiment will be performed by many thousands of school children across the world, potentially becoming the biggest chemical experiment ever conducted. Under the theme, “Water: A Chemical Solution,” students will focus on modules that examine the properties of their local water and the technological solutions chemistry makes available to humanity in supplying clean drinking water. The global experiment will promote the goals of the IYC, including generating enthusiasm for science among young people around the world.
Experiment modules can be carried out by children of all ages in schools across all continents because they are adaptable to the skills and interests of students, and use equipment that is widely available at little or no cost. Results will be electronically showcased as an interactive global data map at the end of 2011, demonstrating the value of international cooperation in science.
An IUPAC/UNESCO multi-disciplinary task force is overseeing the development and implementation of the global experiment. To mark its support for science education and the future young minds of the chemical industry, Cefic has agreed to act as the secretariat to this task force. For more information on the global experiment, and how you can get involved, please contact Franco Bisegna (fbi@cefic.be) and visit the International Year of Chemistry website at www.chemistry2011.org/.
ACC is a proud member of the International Year of Chemistry Global Experiment Task Force. Operating under the auspices of IUPAC, the task force is made up of academic, non-governmental organization and industry representatives.
IYC Key Documents and Links:
- IYC Prospectus
- ACS Petition for Postage Stamp and ACC letter of Support
- IYC Global Events
- IYC U.S. Activities
- Economic Data: Business of Chemistry in the United States
- American Chemistry Magazine Editor’s Message—Jan – Feb., 2010
- ACC Letter to U.S. Ambassador to UNESCO in Support of IYC Resolution—March 20, 2008
Resources for ACC Members:
- Log on to ACC’s MemberExchange, or register for access.
IYC Partner Links:
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
- Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF)
- International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA)
- International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC)
Additional Resources:
- History of Chemistry
- ACC Learning Center
- Chlorine Science Center
- Plastics Learning Center
- Polyurethane Learning Center
- Molecules That Matter—10 Organic Molecules That Changed the 20th Century
- Chlorine Compound of the Month Library
- Building Block Chemistry—Learning the Periodic Table
- Interactive Periodic Table of the Elements
For more information, please contact:
Ben Zingman
(703) 741-5811
ben_zingman@americanchemistry.com
MAJOR ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE U.S.
The American Chemical Society (ACS), American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF) and ACC are planning a week long U.S. launch in Philadelphia, PA. This will follow the global launch of IYC at the Opening Ceremonies in Paris (January, 2011). Industry councils from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware have been invited to participate in the planning process, and individual companies in the region are joining with their colleagues from related organizations to create a wide range of activities.
1. U.S. IYC KICK-OFF—Philadelphia—February, 2011:
- Partners involved include CHF, ACS, AIChE and ACC.
- Planning for educational activities, panel discussions and social events.
- Official proclamation(s) may be sought from government officials.
2. ONGOING NATIONAL ACTIVITY:
ACC is working closely with its program partners to develop a tool kit for use by local organizations and companies.
- ACS is focusing on four quarterly themes: energy, environment, health and materials. It will include IYC in its annual cycle of programming including Earth Day and National Chemistry Week.
- Other partner organizations are planning a variety of national and regional events. Please consult the websites of these groups for more information on their events.
3. REGIONAL ACTIVITY:
- ACC partner organizations are planning a variety of events including workshops and discussions which may be included at already scheduled meetings and conferences.
4. NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES & IUPAC U.S. NATIONAL COMMITTEE:
- Plans are pending.
