IUPAC Division of Chemistry & Environment Holds Annual Meeting 2018 in Rome

The IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) Division VI (Chemistry and the Environment) had its annual meeting in Rome, Italy, just before the beginning of the SETAC (Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) Europe Conference from May 13-17, where the Division had organized a special session.

25 participants from 18 countries attended the meeting, and Dr. B.P. Saha, R&D Director at L.R. Research Laboratories, NACL Industries Ltd. (Hyderabad) represented India.

During the two-days meeting, several important topics were covered: reviews of on-going projects, brainstorming ideas for new projects, exploring collaborations with other international organisations, joint-organization of conferences and symposia, and planning of the Division activities for the centenary of IUPAC, which will be celebrated in 2019. These celebrations will culminate in the 47th IUPAC World Chemistry Congress in Paris from July 5-7, 2019.

During the meeting, Dr. Saha made a presentation on the ‘Status of Responsible Care, Sustainability, Green Chemistry and Environment in Indian Chemical Industry.’

Scientifically sound and timely contributions

The aims of IUPAC Division VI are to make scientifically sound and timely contributions towards addressing the critical environmental issues at a global scale. Division VI provides authoritative reviews and guidance on the fate, behaviour and risks of chemical compounds in food and the environment by undertaking both fundamental and applied project activities to solve pressing environmental problems and enhance quality of life. Its main activities are carried out through the work of two Subcommittees: one on ‘Crop Protection Chemistry’ and the other on ‘Chemical and Biophysical Processes in the Environment’.

IUPAC Division VI activities are based on projects supported by IUPAC, which are mostly multi-disciplinary and involve world-leading experts from industry, regulatory agencies, academia and research institutions. Recent completed projects have dealt with emerging environmental issues such as nanopesticides, e-wastes, risk assessment, fate & toxicity of pollutants, and agrochemicals. Division VI is also involved in the organization of a number of international conferences, workshops, schools and symposia all over the world, trying to disseminate the important role that chemistry has to protect the environment and human health.

The Directorate of IUPAC Division VI is currently represented by Dr. Rai Kookana (President – CSIRO, Australia), Dr. Hemda Garelick (Vice-President – Middlesex University, UK) and Dr. Roberto Terzano (Secretary – University of Bari, Italy).