2011 announced as the year of chemistry, events planned

international year of chemistry logo

International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), in conjunction with the UN and UNESCO, have proclaimed that 2011 is to be the International Year of Chemistry (IYC 2011), under the unifying theme Chemistry-our life, our future.   

The goals of IYC 2011 are to increase the public appreciation of chemistry in meeting world needs, to encourage interest in chemistry among young people, and to generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry. 2011 is also the one-hundredth anniversary of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Marie Curie, recognizing her discovery of the elements radium and polonium which will be an inspiration to all students, especially women. 

IYC 2011 will offer a range of interactive, entertaining, and educational activities for all ages. The Year of Chemistry is intended to reach across the globe, with opportunities for public participation at the local, regional, and national level. 

RSC Events  

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) will be leading the way in IYC 2011, aiming to be the hub for all UK-based events; contributing to a number of global IUPAC projects as well as launching a number of exciting activities of our own. 

As there will be a lot of activities and events to celebrate IYC 2011, it has been decided not to have a formal Chemistry Week in 2011. Grants and promotional materials will be made available to support IYC 2011 activities as per Chemistry Week. Details will be circulated in due course. 

Local IYC co-ordinators will be appointed to co-ordinate activities in their region. Their details and details of what events and activities are taking place in your area will be posted over the coming months and throughout 2011 on the website