2011 to Become International Year of Chemistry

The 63rd General Assembly of the United Nations has adopted a resolution proclaiming 2011 as International Year of Chemistry, placing UNESCO and IUPAC at the helm of the event. The text of the resolution, which was presented under the Sustainable Development Agenda, recognizes that humankind’s understanding of the material nature of our world is grounded, in particular, in our knowledge of chemistry. It stresses that education in and about chemistry is critical in addressing challenges such as global climate change, in providing sustainable sources of clean water, food and energy, and in maintaining a wholesome environment for the wellbeing of all people. "The International Year of Chemistry will give a global boost to chemical science in which our life and our future are grounded," says Jung-Il Jin, IUPAC president and a professor of chemistry at Korea University, in Seoul, South Korea. "We hope to increase the public appreciation and understanding of chemistry, increase young people's interest in science, and generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry," he adds. The IUPAC Committee on Chemistry has established a management panel that will work with chemical societies; the UN Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and others to plan and implement activities during the year. The year 2011 is also significant because it will mark the centennial anniversary of the award of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Marie Curie, providing an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of women to science, according to IUPAC.