About the International Year of Chemistry
This website is designed to be the hub for the wide range of activities taking place in New Zealand during the International Year of Chemistry (IYOC) which is being celebrated worldwide in 2011.
Why 2011?
The year 2011 was chosen as the International Year of Chemistry because it marks the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize awarded to Madame Marie Curie. It is also the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Association of Chemical Societies.
It has a distinctly New Zealand connection as it is the centenary of Nobel Prize winner Ernest Lord Rutherford presenting his theory of the atom, consisting of a positively charged nucleus surrounded by negative electrons.
Partners in New Zealand
The Royal Society of New Zealand and the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry are partners in presenting this website and its resources. Both organisations are running a series of activities in 2011, highlighting chemistry in New Zealand.
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The Royal Society of New Zealand
The Royal Society of New Zealand promotes excellence in science, technology and the humanities in society, industry and education. |
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The New Zealand Institute of ChemistryThe New Zealand Institute of Chemistry represents some 1000 members involved in the chemistry profession. Members participate in the study, practice, teaching, promotion and management of chemistry. |
Sponsors
Our thanks to the MacDiarmid Institute and Industrial Research Limited for sponsoring this website.
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MacDiarmid InstituteThe MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology is a collaborative research organisation undertaking research and research education in materials science and nanotechnology. |
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Industrial Research LimitedIndustrial Research conducts scientific research and development in the manufacturing and service sectors, using its expertise in chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering. |
Chemistry – Our Life, Our Future
The International Year of Chemistry 2011 (IYC 2011) is a worldwide celebration of the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the well-being of humankind. It has the theme “Chemistry—our life, our future.”
The goals of IYC2011 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.
There is also a special focus on the achievements of women scientists, with 2011 being the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize awarded to Madame Marie Curie.
You can find out more about activities worldwide at the
IYC2011 website.