Dow Helps Champion the International Year of Chemistry
Dow is partnering with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) as the first global partner of the International Year of Chemistry (IYC) in 2011. Designated by the United Nations, IYC is an initiative co-led by IUPAC and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) that aims to increase public appreciation of chemistry, encourage interest in chemistry among young people and generate enthusiasm for the creative future of the science.
“The International Year of Chemistry is a celebration of the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to humanity and the world,” said Andrew Liveris, Dow chairman and CEO. “The year 2011 also presents a perfect opportunity for industry and other stakeholders to create new collaborations focused on finding solutions to the many challenges still before us. Dow is pleased to help lead this effort.”
Under the theme “Chemistry – Our Life, Our Future,” IYC will consist of a yearlong series of events, educational lectures, exhibits and experiments for people of all ages around the globe. These activities will celebrate achievements in science and the potential of chemistry to address world challenges through education, innovation and international collaboration.
IYC Launched
IYC was officially launched at a global ceremony in Paris, France, at UNESCO headquarters at the end of January. Joined by chemistry leaders from around the world, Jerome Peribere, president and CEO of Dow Advanced Materials, delivered a speech addressing the industry’s approach toward sustainable solutions that solve world challenges.
At the North America kickoff in Philadelphia at the Chemical Heritage Foundation (CHF), Liveris spoke of how chemistry innovations drive cleaner energy, as part of an overall panel discussing the role of chemistry in advancing human progress and solving world challenges in energy, water, food and health.
Dow’s Commitment
As the first global partner of the IYC, Dow has committed to support a range of events and activities that promote the role of chemistry in daily life. In addition to direct financial support, Dow is supporting IYC at local, regional and national levels through marquee engagements and ongoing activities around the world throughout 2011, including but not limited to:
- Sponsor of nationwide student video contest – converting the periodic table into lively vignettes about each element. Grants for high school science departments go to 11 winning teachers.
- Promotion of The Balanced Equation – sustainable development curriculum focused on water for high school students.
- TED Partner, TED 2011 Conference – participation in innovative dialogue. Hosting interactive exhibit entitled “Elements of Wonder,” featuring augmented reality information about the periodic table.
- Sponsor of first-ever Philadelphia Science Festival – two-week celebration of science with debates, lectures, activities, exhibitions and more.
- Sponsor of “Strange Matter” – children’s exhibit of material science traveling across North America throughout the year.
