The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) is the globally acclaimed body responsible for chemical nomenclature and terminology including specific names, properties and symbols of chemical compounds. In addition to the aforementioned role, IUPAC also provides objective scientific know-how for the resolution of critical global chemistry related issues. Established in 1919 by career chemists (academic and industrial) with the goal of uniting to advance the knowledge and exchange of information within the chemistry community. 2019 marked the 100thyear of IUPAC as a global organization.
To celebrate the role of women in the advancement of chemistry, chemists and students across the globe organized a global breakfast event on February 12th, 2019. This global breakfast celebration titled, “Empowering Women in chemistry: a global networking event” was organised at Memorial University by Dr. Francesca Kerton (Professor of Chemistry). The event was co-organized by doctoral candidates at Memorial University (Silvana Pereira, Juliana Vidal and Stephanie Gallant). The event attracted different women within the science community at Memorial (both students and professors).
The highlights of the Global Women’s breakfasts were presentations by Dr. Francesca Kerton, an associate member of the IUPAC CHEWRAWN Committee and Incoming Chair of the Canadian National Committee for IUPAC. In addition, a talk was given by Dr. Erika Merschrod, Professor of Chemistry at Memorial University and Chair of the Joint CAP/CSC Surface Division. The event also featured networking opportunities, Chemistry and Science games and of course, light but delicious breakfast.