Year of Chemistry

Staff and students from the University of Adelaide are joining in the celebrations for the International Year of Chemistry (IYC 2011).

"IYC 2011 aims to increase the public's understanding and appreciation of chemistry, including sparking the interest of young people and generating enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry," said the Head of Chemistry at the University of Adelaide, Associate Professor Greg Metha.

"In Australia, IYC 2011 will feature a program of public events, tours and exhibitions spearheaded and hosted by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and its partners, including the University of Adelaide."

Among the many events being planned for the rest of the year, University staff, students and graduates in chemistry will play a leading role in the following:

Wednesday 29 June

A hands-on chemistry demonstration for Years 9 and 10 students as part of Aim for Adelaide, an event for students from Fairway schools.

Venue: University of Adelaide

1-29 August

Periodic Table travelling art exhibition. The University's School of Chemistry & Physics and the Faculty of Sciences have sponsored the element "Uranium".

Venue: South Australian Museum

Friday to Sunday 5-7 August

A chemistry presentation over three days will be held jointly by the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and University of South Australia as part of Science Alive!

Venue: Wayville Showgrounds

Sunday 21 August

Open Day at the University of Adelaide will feature fun and educational displays of slime, liquid nitrogen and sugar chemistry, as well as talks on what careers studies in chemistry can lead to.

Tuesday to Wednesday 27-28 September

Special chemistry demonstrations and presentations by chemistry graduates highlighting their careers, as part of Maths Science Life Impact, a University event for Year 9 students.

Venue: University of Adelaide

For more information about IYC 2011, and to see videos of students talking about the exciting work they're involved in, go to: ua.edu.au/chemistry/iyc

You can also contact the Head of Chemistry, Associate Professor Greg Metha: greg.metha@adelaide.edu.au or 08 8303 5943