The United Nations has designated 2011 the “International Year of Chemistry (IYC)”––a global celebration of chemistry and its contributions to the world around us. This worldwide initiative is being celebrated under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), and features activities conducted by countries, such as the U.S., that adhere to these organizations.

The U.S. launch of IYC 2011 took place on February 1 in Philadelphia, where leaders from industry and academia gathered to discuss solutions to increasing global demands for energy, safe food and water, and improving human health at a panel discussion entitled “Global Challenges/Chemistry Solutions.”

Several events are scheduled to take place throughout the year. For additional details, visit www.chemistry2011.org.