I am getting near the end of my rotation with the Communication Team. I have really enjoyed being involved in some of the activities been organised for the International Year of Chemistry (IYC 2011). As some of you will probably already have heard, 2011 will be an opportunity for everyone everywhere to celebrate the achievements of chemistry and its contribution to the well-being of human kind. 2011 will also be an opportunity to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of Maire Curie’s Nobel Prize, the founding of the International Association of the Chemical Societies and the publication of Rutherford’s Theory of Atomic Structure.

The official launch of IYC 2011 takes place in Paris at UNESCO headquarters on 27th-28th of January. But there will be a chance to celebrate earlier by taking part in Woman sharing a chemical Moment in Time for breakfast at the Chemistry Centre on 18th of January. The Global Experiment – Water: A Chemical Solution will also be launched next year. Experiments will be conducted at 1000’s of schools to measure acidity, salinity and look at methods of water purification. The data obtained will be available online and form part of the biggest chemical experiment ever conducted. There will also be an opportunity to attend Our Children on Water art exhibition on the theme Water: Refreshment or Responsibility? I have been involved in the planning stages of this exhibition and I am looking forward to seeing the exhibition in London and tour many prestigious locations around Europe.

To participate in any of the events outlined above or get a global view of IYC 2011 check out the International Year of Chemistry  website.
Happy Christmas and all the best for IYC 2011!

Anne is a Graduate working in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Science, Education and Industry Department. To see if there are any current vacancies go to 'RSC: Latest Vacancies' Blog or subscribe to 'RSC: Latest Vacancies' by Email