IYPT 2019 - Global Report Foreword

The International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements 2019 (IYPT 2019) was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly during its 74th Plenary Meeting, at the 72nd Session on December 20th, 2017, following the resolution of UNESCO General Conference, adopted at its 39th Session, on November 2nd, 2017. In proclaiming an International Year focusing on the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements and its applications, the United Nations has recognized the importance of raising global awareness of how chemistry promotes sustainable development and provides solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health. Indeed, the resolution was adopted as part of a more general Agenda item on Science and Technology for Development. This International Year was to bring together many different stakeholders including UNESCO, scientific societies and unions, educational and research institutions, technology platforms, non-profit organizations and private sector partners to promote and celebrate the significance of the Periodic Table of Elements and its applications to society, in particular during 2019. An International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements in 2019 aimed to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements by the Russian scientist Dmitri I. Mendeleev, who is regarded as one of the fathers of modern chemistry.

IYPT2019 saw thousands of events take place with an impact that reached over 130 countries. The diversity of events was remarkable. The Opening Ceremony in Paris on January 29, 2019 set the scene, and throughout the year we saw and enjoyed activities including: education and outreach for students and the public; specialist workshops in science and industry; forums on the historical development of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements; conferences on the role of chemistry and the Periodic Table in sustainable development; public chemical festivals and displays; works of art, music, and literature. Events were targeted at all levels—from preschool children learning science for the first time, to politicians, and diplomats, convening high-level meetings discussing the importance of the Periodic Table and science and technology for the future.

When discussions of IYPT2019 first began in 2016 within the scientific community, we do not think that anyone could have foreseen the extent of the worldwide enthusiasm around the theme of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements, and neither did we anticipate the many new links that would appear between the Periodic Table and art and culture. We feel personally that a major contributor to the success of IYPT2019 has been the fact that the IYPT2019 partners reached out beyond their traditional memberships and audiences to engage more broadly and to make new connections. We would like to thank UNESCO and all our partners and supporters worldwide for their commitment and efforts. And a special word of thanks is due to all our student volunteers who brought their passion and energy to the IYPT2019 organization.

This report aims to give a synthetic account of IYPT2019, first describing its origins and goals, and then providing a summary of the many events and activities that took place worldwide. The report also contains information on organization and communications, and it is hoped that these details may provide guidance for others who may wish to organize a similar global outreach initiative in the future.

We believe that everyone involved in IYPT2019 can feel immensely proud of what has been achieved. We can also feel confident that many of the partnerships established during IYPT2019 will continue. It is sometimes difficult to see how we as individuals can contribute to solving issues of global importance, but we believe that the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements has provided a timely reminder that through our commitment to education and outreach, we can really make a difference. It is now up to all of us to build on what we have learned and what we have accomplished during 2019 to continue to work together for the betterment of all.

Natalia Tarasova and Jan Reedijk Co-Chairs of the IYPT2019 Interunion International Management Committee

Moscow/Leiden, April 2020