Chemical engineers support IYC2011

Chemical engineers around the world are working with IChemE to support the United Nations 2011 International Year of Chemistry campaign (IYC2011).

In the UK, IChemE and its members are working with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) to raise awareness of events, activities and exhibitions. Last month the RSC hosted an IYC2011 parliamentary launch at the Palace of Westminster.

Forthcoming UK events include a range of public talks at the RSC’s chemistry centre in London, a celebration of the life and achievements of Marie Curie and participation in the IYC2011 global experiment – water: a chemical solution. The experiment is designed to bring students together globally to highlight chemistry’s role in issues of water quality and purification.

IChemE is also a supporting partner of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s (RACI) IYC2011 activities. The Australian calendar of events includes a national tour, travelling exhibitions, a Marie Curie lecture series and the RACI national awards for chemistry.

Speaking at the official Australian launch in Canberra this week, Jan Althorp, IChemE executive director said: “IChemE has forged a strong relationship with the Royal Australian Chemical Institute over the years and is looking forward to supporting the IYC2011 events and activities throughout the year.”

IChemE members in Malaysia and China are also well placed to support local activities. Chinese highlights include the 1st international conference on clean energy in Dalian while Beijing hosts a three-day conference on supramolecular chemistry. In May, Malaysia will host the 5th international conference of chemistry and the environment and in September, Kuala Lumpur will be the setting for CHEMRAWN 2011 – Renewable and sustainable energy from biological resources.

IChemE ceo David Brown says that the year also provides an opportunity to raise the public profile of chemical engineering: “Chemistry is at the heart of almost every aspect of daily life and industry. But chemical engineers are the people who translate the science into the products and services that create prosperity, take care of our environment and sustain our quality of life.

“IYC2011 is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the work of chemists and chemical engineers and to encourage the next generation to make the most of the opportunities that these fields offer,” says Brown.