International Year of Chemistry 2011

The United Nations has designated 2011 the 'International Year of Chemistry' (IYC 2011). The theme of the year is "Chemistry - our life, our future".  IYC 2011 is intended to be a worldwide celebration of the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the well being of humankind.

The goals of the 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. 

The year 2011 was chosen because it is the 100th anniversary of Marie Curie being awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. It is also the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Association of Chemical Societies (which later became the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry - IUPAC).

New Zealand scientists have a distinguished record in chemistry. Ernest Rutherford (1908) and Alan MacDiarmid (2000) were both awarded Nobel Prizes for Chemistry.

The prominent role that chemistry plays in the development of new technologies can be seen in the high proportion of patents which relate to chemistry. Around 35% of the patents granted by the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) are classified as relating to chemistry. 

Events to mark IYC 2011 are taking place in New Zealand and throughout the world.

Adrian Evans - January 2011.