Department of Chemistry celebrates International Year of Chemistry

It’s a once in a life time opportunity for chemistry enthusiasts around the world. Each year, the United Nations General Assembly recognizes a theme in science, education or culture. This year marks the first time for an International Year of Chemistry, or IYC 2011.

“It’s unlikely we’ll see another [UN] official recognized International Year of Chemistry in our lifetime,” says Sean Hartwell, department administrator for Dalhousie’s Department of Chemistry.

Events are scheduled around the world all year long, but Saturday, May 7 marks the day everyone will ‘compound’ together to celebrate the significance of chemistry.

Free BBQ

Along with more than 20 universities across Canada, Dalhousie’s Department of Chemistry will host the Chemistry Rendezvous in Halifax on Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chemistry Building, west of the Killam Library. The invitation to attend is open to anyone.

“The national and global objective is to raise awareness of chemistry, encourage excitement in the public’s eye about chemistry and create understanding among people on the importance of chemistry in our future,” says Neil Burford, chair of the Department of Chemistry.

Students, faculty and staff make up the 30 volunteers responsible for pulling the event together in Halifax. The event will include chemistry magic shows, creating a few batches of edible liquid nitrogen ice cream, live demonstrations and a free BBQ. There will also be a gigantic periodic table cake.

“This is an opportunity to recognize and demonstrate how important chemistry is in everyday life,” says Burford. “You may not look at your computer and immediately think chemistry, but silicon (an element in the periodic table) is an important material used to make computers.”



Marie Curie

This year also represents the 100th anniversary of founding the International Association of Chemical Societies and Madame Marie Curie’s Nobel Prize in chemistry (1911). Mrs. Curie was the first women to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to be honored with two Nobel Prizes — chemistry and physics (1903). IYC 2011 is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate women’s accomplishments in science.  

Lobbying for 2011 recognition as the International Year of Chemistry began in 2007. The UN identified 2005-2014 as the decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Chemistry aligns with the mission to sustain natural resources. Carrying out national and international activities emphasize the importance of chemistry in our life and our future.

The Dalhousie Department of Chemistry has an event planned every month of 2011.

For more information on chemistry at Dalhousie and IYC 2011, visit www.chemistry.dal.ca and www.chemistry2011.org.