Objectives of the International Year of Chemistry increase public appreciation of chemistry in meeting world needs encourage an interest in chemistry among young people generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry celebrate the achievements of Marie Curie and the contributions of women to chemistry When the United Nations declared that 2011 would be the International Year of Chemistry, it did so in part because the year 2011 coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to Marie Curie.

Discussion Points: Women Sharing a Chemical Moment in Time How has the landscape changed for women chemists since the time of Marie Curie? What can we do to increase the professional integration and visibility of women chemists? How can we make chemistry a family-friendly profession? How do we encourage young people towards careers in chemistry?