A Nelson Wright, Chairman
Mark C. Cesa, Secretary
Paul De Bievre
Junshi Miyamoto
Michael Booth
Min-che Chon
Alan Smith
Jonas Unger
Jinliang Qiao
Alexander Pokrovsky
Akira Ishitani
Esma Toprak
Mikhail Gorelik
Johnsee Lee
Edwin Przybylowicz
Alan Hayes
P. R. Tundo
James Bull
C. Buxthorf
G. Vorozhtsov
Adnan Al-Shalfan
H. Luzius Senti
Qing Ling Chen
Gabor Blasko Egis
Junryo Mino
Rene-Paul Martin Solvay &
Kan-Nan Chen
W. Lubiewa-Wielezynski
John D. Bradley
Manfred Grasserbauer
Dr.
Senti will not be able to attend unfortunate since he is on the iUPAC finance
committee and could help us with information on the new IUPAC budget process,
now that there is a proposal for COCI to have an operating budget under IUPAC
supervision. Senti is a member of his
local city council in Switzerland, which is having a meeting today. Miyamoto is also on Finance Committee and
will assist.
Tim
Wallington, YO from USA, from Ford corporate research, will be unable to attend
COCI meeting today because of conflict visiting CSIRO at Sydney today.
Alan
Smith and Dr. Chon attended the morning CHEMRAWN meeting and came to the
Presidential
Poster Session:
Dr.
Wright reported that the latest issue of CI has resumes of two candidates for
Bureau who are COCI members- Drs. Przybylowicz and Smith.
Wright
met in China,Dr. Bali, candidate to replace Prof. Cun-Hao Zhang on the
Bureau -
Ms.
Esma Toprak
Dr.
Popov, Bulgaria, has declined membership in COCI. No current representative from France, but Dr. Martin has offered
to identify a representative.
Dr.
Rob Taalman is now a representative to COCI from CEFIC, where he is vice
president.
See
“Blue Book.”
Minutes
were approved with corrections noted by Prof. De Bievre in agenda book.
Some
e-mail problems (size) with large attachments in e-mail updates.
Dr.
Wright reminded members about the Web Site and the information contained
therein on COCI. Fabienne Meyers has
done a very good job with the site, and should be sent information on updates,
with copies to Wright. COCI has
responsibility to inform CA’s on activities.
Viewgraphs of Web pages are good tools for presentations on IUPAC. Members can access this information via www.iupac.org
Dr.
Wright reviewed the 2001 Report to Council, and the 2000 Report to Bureau, as
contained in Item 6 of the agenda book.
a.
b.
Dr.
Ishitani reported on the CA situation in Japan. There are currently 41 Japanese CA’s. Dr. Ishitani occasionally hears from CA representatives who are
thinking of canceling their memberships.
CA’s in Japan provide a small budget to Dr. Ishitani for administrative
matters. These funds are used to
purchase and distribute White Books, and for an annual meeting in conjunction
with the Chemical Society of Japan, to which senior officials in IUPAC and of
the Japanese NAO are invited and at which IUPAC news is disseminated. Dr. Ishitani also works through the Chemical
Society of Japan to distribute information to CA's by mail. Japan has $10,000 budget to support 4 young
chemists to work in IUPAC. Canada also provides funds for students to attend
IUPAC conferences.
Dr.
Gorelik reported on contacts between Russian industry and the Russian ministry
to disseminate information. Plan is to
prepare letters to ministries and department chairs to inform CA’s on IUPAC
matters of interest to industry. Dr.
Gorelik also asked why there is no COCI representation from countries such as
Israel, Germany, France, Australia, and South American countries, and asked how
to secure CA representation from these countries. Attempts have been made in the past, but unsuccessfully. Wright reminded the attendees that two CA's
are required from a country as a prerequisite for appointment of a person of
Membership status to COCI, and asked membership for help on finding members
from these countries.
Copies
of the pamphlet “IUPAC and Industry” were distributed to attendees for
dissemination to CA's and other interested parties in their home
countries.
Dr.
Cesa reported on the activities in the Safety Training Program during 2000 and 2001,
and referred attendees to the summary article in Chemistry International for
details. Since fall 2000, a new on-line
process for trainee candidate applications for the Program has been
established. A brochure on the Program
and an application form can now be downloaded from the COCI web site:
http://www.iupac.org/projects/1993/022_11_93.html. Two new candidates, from India and Africa, have applied for
training by this new procedure, and were approved for training by the applicant
review committee (Dr. Cesa, Dr. Booth, and Prof. De Bievre) during the COCI
meeting. Solicitation of Host Companies
is now under way. BP Chemicals and
Bristol-Myers Squibb in the USA have expressed interest in continued
participation as Host Companies, and CSIR Bio/Technologies in South Africa has
also volunteered to train one or more candidates. Application materials for a trainee candidate from China were
received from Dr. Qiao, as arranged by Dr. Wright during his visit to Sinopec
in April 2001. Dr. Pokrovsky described
UNESCO's support, on an annual basis, for up to $4,000 to $6,000, for travel
expenses for trainees from their home countries to the Host Company
location. Dr. Cesa is exploring
mechanisms for establishing some financial support for expenses for the trainees
at the Host Company locations as well, to reduce the financial burden on the
Host Companies and therefore increase participation by new Host Companies. Possible approaches include contact with
individual NAO's and submission of a Project Proposal to IUPAC. After some discussion, it was suggested that
current COCI funds can be used for Host Company assistance. COCI members volunteered to help solicit
host companies in their home countries.
Prof.
Ali A. El-Emam of Mansoura University in Egypt, who was trained in August 2000
at Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. in the USA, submitted a written report to COCI on
his activities since his training.
Obligatory eye protection has been established in the university
laboratories; safety showers, fume hoods, and improved ventilation are being
installed; an obligatory training program has been instituted for the
laboratory technicians and postgraduate students covering the main topics of
environmental health and safety and emergency measures; and all documents
obtained from BMS during training were circulated to the president of the
university and the deans of the faculties of medicine, natural sciences,
agriculture, veterinary medicine, and the university hospitals. Dr. El-Emam is now preparing a proposal for
an incinerator for wastes from the university laboratories and hospitals.
Ms.
Esma Toprak, Department of Chemical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul,
Turkey, gave a summary of her activities since her training at BP Chemicals in
the USA in April 2000. Ms. Toprak
reported that safety is improving on her campus.
Dr.
Wright encouraged Ms. Toprak to continue her efforts at organizations in Turkey
outside Bogazici U. Ms. Toprak reported that seminars are planned at Turkish
companies to raise funds, but efforts have been hampered by the financial
crisis in Turkey. Dr. Wright also
suggested that work with UNESCO on earthquake protection measures be
considered. Dr. Pokrovsky reported
that UNESCO has lost 55% of budget for basic sciences in 2002 and 2003, but
that chemistry budget obligations will be continued to be supported. Possible mechanisms include short-term
contracts, of
There
was discussion on clarification of role of UNIDO in the Program. Dr. Pokrovsky will be in Vienna in April
2002, and will try to clarify and strengthen the UNIDO role.
UNESCO
is interested in supporting the work of trainees after they return to their
home countries, to disseminate learnings and improve safety practices
overall. Dr. Pokrovsky reported that
extrabudgetary funds can be used to support Ms. Toprak's efforts in
Turkey. He suggested that a safety
workshop be organized in Turkey and that institutions in neighboring countries
be invited to participate.
Dr.
Przybylowicz suggested short courses could be taught by trainees, facilitated
by COCI. Such a program could be
shaping as a new IUPAC project, with information as end product. Pokrovsky suggested that such workshops could
be organized in conjunction with IUPAC symposia and other meetings.
Prof.
De Bievre gave an overhead presentation on DIDAC activities. DIDAC materials have been sent to over 60
countries now, with an emphasis on
Africa, Central America, and FSU republics.
Prof. De Bievre met with AGFA Gefaert ([email protected])
(contact information in the agenda book) to discuss further dissemination of
the materials. Future AGFA support will
include free rights to distribution given to UNESCO with a proviso of no
content changes; use of AGFA logo; DIDAC materials to be for non-commercial use
only; and translations will be permitted.
UNESCO can subcontract conversion to CD-ROM format with AGFA assistance.
The cost for CD-ROM conversion. Is
estimated at $60,000.
Dr.
Pokrovsky reported on UNESCO efforts regarding DIDAC. He expects that more than 85 countries will be using DIDAC
by 2003. From AGFA s point of view
project is completed, but AGFA will continue to produce posters and materials
in different languages, along with assistance on the CD-ROM conversion. Dr.
Pokrovsky reiterated that money needs to be raised for the CD-ROM version. UNESCO extrabudgetary funds are being used
to disseminate materials. The U.S.
State Department has approved a budget for sending the DIDAC materials as
posters to rural areas. Dr. Pokrovsky
hopes to produce 10,000 to 30,000 posters.
AGFA will provide free distribution of DIDAC in book form. Posters will contain text as well as
pictures. Posters will be made only
after advice and input from countries to receive them. Translations have either
been prepared or are under way in many other languages. Sinopec has committed to translating DIDAC
materials into Chinese and presenting materials to the Ministry of
Education.
22
new countries have received DIDAC materials since the COCI meeting in Montreal
mostly African and Caribbean. There has been a particular focus on DIDAC in
Africa as part of a greater UNESCO effort to improve science education
there. An educational center is to be established in Cameroon, funded
$36,000 from UNESCO budget, $300,000 from Cameroon.
Dr.
Booth reported on activities on the Workshop scheduled to be held in Senegal on
July 30 to August 4, 2001. The
conference is in conjunction with the 8th International Chemistry Conference,
a triannual conference on chemistry held in Africa. This year's Workshop will be organized and administered solely by
Africans, in conjunction with the All-Africa Union of Pure and Applied
Chemistry. A funding request from COCI
was approved and gratefully acknowledged.
UNESCO is also supplying $8,000 in support. Booth will run the Workshop in collaboration with a South African
colleague who is an expert in risk assessment and analysis.
A
Workshop for China, to be funded by Sinopec, has been proposed for 2002. Dr. Booth will supervise and prepare a
preliminary budget.
UNESCO
will provide funds to the American Chemical Society (ACS) for a pre-conference
workshop on chemistry and environment -
quality of water - also as part of the 8th International Chemistry Conference
in Africa. See http://www.cica.ucad.sn
Agenda Item 11 - “Green/Sustainable”
Prof.
Pietro R. Tundo provided an update on activities. The negative connotations of the term “green” are not as
sensitive in Italy as in certain other places in Europe. Prof. Tundo reported that European attitudes
against “green” are not as strong as in the past. He expressed hope that there can be consensus and agreement on
terminology in the future.
Dr.
Wright described COCI’s position on the terms “green” and “sustainable” in
terms of representation of the chemical industry at large. While the term “green” has few negative
connotations in the USA, UK, and Canada, there are political sensitivities to
the term in Europe. In the interest of
pragmatism, Dr. Wright has included copies of several recent publications on
“green chemistry” from chemistry news magazines and journals in the agenda
book. Dr. Wright stated that
“sustainable” is a preferred term to “green.”
Dr. Miyamoto reiterated that in Japan the term “green/sustainable
chemistry” is used to gain inclusive meaning for the terms. Dr. Miyamoto proposed that IUPAC settle on a
single agreed-upon term for the concept to avoid misunderstandings within and
outside the Union. The June 18, 2001 p.
12 issue of C&
Prof.
De Bievre expressed his views on the issue.
OECD uses the term “sustainability.”
In the interest of IUPAC’s desire to remain politically neutral, Prof.
De Bievre felt it is important not to use politically charged terminology for
important concepts, hence the preference for the term “sustainability.” As a representative of the Belgian NAO, he
also reported on the consensus of that NAO.
Dr. Miyamoto reported that a small interdivisional committee - Dr.
Miyamoto, Prof. Tundo (chair), Dr.
Noyori, Dr. Anastos, members of Div. 1 and other divisions (Prof. De Bievre
will try to obtain Guy Martens as a
member of this committee) - is being formed to address concerns such as this
one. Dr. Wright reported that despite a
unanimous vote within COCI about the terminology at Berlin, he did not bring a
motion forward to the Bureau at that time.
Dr. Przybylowicz reminded the committee that IUPAC can only recommend,
not impose rules in such matters.
Dr.
Alan Hayes commented on improvements in the interactions of industry with the
Union. IUPAC will not act as an
industry representative, but rather will provide the scientific basis for
proper discussion of issues of importance to industry. The underpinning work of IUPAC (e.g. atomic
weights, etc.) provide the basis for proper scientific research, both academic
and industrial. IUPAC, through COCI,
needs to make industry more aware of IUPAC’s contributions.
Dr.
Wright summarized by saying that COCI will continue to look to him to represent
the committee's position on the terminology, but will not bring a motion.
Prof.
James Bull, PAC editor of special publications, reported on future plans. He is coordinating publication of project
activities in special publications (special topic issues, symposia in print,
workshop publications) and single issue publications such as books. Beyond plenary lectures, submission of
refereed papers will be encouraged as well to maintain scientific
standards. In 2000, 2 special issues
were published, and one is in prospect for 2001. Three others are anticipated for 2002. Stand-alone review articles are being attempted, but the number
of contributions has been disappointing so far; there have been five
commitments to submit, but nothing firm as yet.
Dr.
Alan Hayes encouraged COCI to continue to strive to serve the developing world,
congratulated us for DIDAC and the Safety Training Program and Workshops, and
urged us to continue to strengthen ties to industry. He also congratulated us for interactions with CHEMRAWN. COCI should continue to seek out new project
ideas, especially from outside the Union’s membership. It needs to make sure that IUPAC and the
national chemistry socieiies work together in their service to chemistry. The emphasis of the new project system is to make sure that funds
are available for projects that matter.
Mr. Unger brought up the difficulty of recruiting talented young people
into chemistry. Hayes pointed out that
we need to reemphasize the utility of a degree in chemistry in a variety of
career paths, to make sure that chemistry as a course of study is valued. He also said that a critical issue is to
assure that science education is provided in grade school and secondary schools
worldwide. Finally, we must help our
industrial associates to recognize that chemophobia needs to be combated, and
that industrial help will be needed to accomplish this. As an example of activities addressing this
need, Dr. Przybylowicz reported that current NSF projects, for example, mandate
10% of their funding be used for outreach activities. For example, research associates are currently hired under these
grants to go to high schools and teach about cutting-edge research
activities.
Prof.
De Bievre reported on progress. He
presented overheads based on his poster at the
registration/presidential reception.
Using the example of measurement of lead in wine, he presented
measurement data from multiple round-robin sources showing that variation in
measurement results using accepted standardized methods are +/- 40% or
more. The same variations are observed
for many trace measurements, such as in analysis of water purity, metals in
polyethylene, etc. Random variations
are the cause “variable systematic error.”
These data are published on the Web.
The impact on international trade can be enormous, and the image of the
chemical profession can suffer as a result.
An article in CI has been published.
Outcomes from these discoveries have been disappointing so far, but
Prof. De Bievre is working to develop a program for training for metrology in
chemistry. Dr. Buxtorf reported from
the workshop on project generation on Monday, July 2 that this is an excellent
project idea, since there may be many other similar problems. Dissemination of project ideas such as this
one could be valuable. Prof. De Bievre
pointed out that what is needed are targeted values for uncertainty eg +/-
20%, etc. A project proposal in Div.
2.4 is being prepared, and COCI’s role will be to publicize the problem. See www.imep.ws
See
agenda book.
Dr.
Wright reported on his visit to Beijing and to the newly named Society for the
Chemical and Petrochemical Industry. See agenda book. Dr. Qiao of Sinopec mentioned selection of the
Chinese candidate for the Safety Training Program, on the proposed workshop for
2002, and on the translation of DIDAC to Chinese, all as reported above. Dr. Wright's visit was a major step forward
for industrial chemical interaction with China, where the chemical industry is
growing rapidly. China has pressing
needs for training in HSE, and for chemical education in general. Sinopec will develop an agenda or list of
topics to be covered in the proposed workshop.
ACS help would be useful in identifying speakers. Dr. Wright was very pleased with his
reception in China.
See
agenda book for background information.
Most activities are reported elsewhere in these minutes. Dr. Pokrovsky mentioned his current work
with Fisher Scientific to donate chemicals to developing countries for
educational purposes. Total contributions
to date are valued at $10 million.
There is also a program of ACS/International Organization for Chemical
Development (IOCD) cooperation with UNESCO to deliver $80,000 books and
journals for educational purposes to African countries, such as Chad, Mali,
Burkina Faso, Niger, Gambia, Sierra Leone.
Jean-Marie Lehn is working on an IOCD/UNESCO fellowship for universities
in conjunction with COCI.
See agenda book for current state of finances for COCI.
a.
In
the agenda book are Dr. Senti's proposed guidelines for financial support for
travel to meetings; seed money for new programs, etc.
b.
Dr.
Przybylowicz described how IUPAC budgeting will work under new project system,
and pointed out that we may need to refine our finance committee guidelines to
conform with IUPAC funding of COCI.
Wright reported on the proposal for $20,000 (operating expenses) per
biennium. Dr. Wright did not see
serious problems with the approach. Dr.
Przybylowicz stated that COCI should be better integrated into IUPAC, and that
IUPAC-level funding of operating expenses is a mechanism for that. COCI can draw on the project system for
funding for new projects as well. Dr.
Buxtorf reminded the atttendees that we are still free to raise external
funding for projects, and Dr. Przybylowicz stated a preference that we keep
current COCI financial holdings for special project funding, in contrast with
Becker’s suggestion that the money be turned over to IUPAC. See the agenda book for discussion of this
issue. Dr. Wright pointed out that this
COCI funding concept may be brought up for a vote in the Bureau meeting. A motion to accept the proposal for IUPAC
funding for COCI was made and approved.
Dr. Przybylowicz reported on the difficulty of getting cooperation from American Chemistry Council (formerly CMA), despite cordial meetings with ACC staff. He tried unsuccessfully to get ACC representation on COCI. Dr. Przybylowicz plans to meet with the Council on Chemical Research in fall 2001 to try to build interactions. The U. S. National Committee to IUPAC is working to increase number of U. S. Company Associates.
A strategic planning group will be assembled for COCI. Dr. Wright is seeking volunteers, and Dr. Cesa, Dr. Wright, Mr. Unger, and Prof. De Bievre offered their services.
Dr.
Wright encouraged the group to learn the mechanics of the new project
submission and approval process.
Several COCI members attended the workshops and informational meetings
on the new project system at Brisbane.
Dr. Cesa was asked to shepherd a project through the system, related to
the Safety Training Program, to “learn the ropes.”
Dr.
Miyamoto gave an update on progress on his "super-project" on
endocrine active substances. A planned
SCOPE/IUPAC International Symposium on Endocrine Active Substances in November 2002
is an intermediate step in the overall project process. The Symposium will be a progress update on
all the projects, including a review of scientific data. Dr. Wright distributed a pamphlet on the
Symposium. Over 60 projects fall within
the umbrella of this “super-project.”
Project completion date is March 2003 with a special edition in Pure and
Applied Chemistry, including 600 printed pages. Dr. Miyamoto also would like to have a shortened "executive
summary" version of this report be prepared for a more general
audience. Dr. Miyamoto thanked COCI for
its support for the super-project. ICCA
has also committed to financial support of project, as have ACC/CEFIC. Dr. Pokrovsky asked about distribution of
the special issue of PAC. The special
issue will be distributed to subscribers, and additional copies can be
purchased. Dr. Miyamoto will purchase
at least 500 copies for free distribution.
Dr. Miyamoto will also purchase 5,000 copies of the executive summary
for free distribution worldwide. Dr.
Pokrovsky also asked about dissemination of information in developing world;
Dr. Miyamoto outlined the plans. Dr.
Pokrovsky will work on providing $5,000
in support from UNESCO for 2002 for dissemination in the developing world. A decision and reply from UNESCO is
expected to be received by Dr. Miyamoto in December 2001. Dr. Pokrovsky would like to pay particular
attention to Africa and Caribbean countries.
There is some concern on IUPAC’s part about the rapid pace of advances
in the area of endocrine active substances, and they urge caution in acting
until more information is available.
However, IUPAC expressed considerable support for project as currently
embodied. COCI will continue to press
for greater understanding of the issue as a prerequisite for government
actions. COCI will strongly recommend
that UNESCO support this activity at Dr. Pokrovsky's suggestion, to be made at
both Bureau and Council. Dr. Miyamoto
asked for any comments or suggestions on the project. He is seeking collaboration with any of the NAO’s on dissemination and review of critical
data.
CO2
Dr.
Smith will provide a brief written summary of the CO2
Results
of the Ad Hoc Workshop on Industry, participation in the project process, etc.
are evidence of improved alignment and inclusion of COCI into the strategy of
IUPAC - see Dr. Wright’s report to the
Council and Bureau in the agenda book.
The COCI strategic planning committee will address this issue as
well.
U.
K. (Smith) The Royal Society of
Chemistry is the new NAO.
Russia
(Gorelik) Dr. Gorelik sees increasing industrial involvement from
Russia. There has been no recent growth
in Russian CA’s, but Dr. Gorelik is
optimistic for growth. The perceived
importance of COCI activities is growing, making it easier to argue for the
relevance of IUPAC to Russian industry.
Chemical production in Russia has been on the decrease until recently,
when there has been some stabilization and growth. More than two Russian CA’s are anticipated. DIDAC is not yet used in Russia, although it has been translated.
Korea
(Chon) DIDAC translation into Korean is to be completed by October 2001. Pictures are now in electronic form.
Turkey
(Toprak) There are no CA’s from Turkey as yet. As the economy improves, Ms. Toprak will try to solicit new
CA’s. There are many companies in
Turkey that are potential CA’s.
Nordic
Countries (Unger) Activities are increasing in Nordic Countries other than
Sweden to recruit new CA’s. Mr. Unger
can recommend a few speakers for the Chinese safety workshop, and will help
interactions in Turkey for improvements in safety. There is increasing interest in chemistry, and chemists are
looking for new ways to attract talented young people to the field. The 100th
Belgium
(De Bievre) In the Belgian NAO, expansion of CA’s stalled, but efforts are
being made working to increase CA
numbers. Regarding the Measurement
Institute, there is mutual recognition of measurement certificates between the
U. S. and Europe for trade issue
reasons.
Japan
(Ishitani) Rapid changes are occurring in framework of Japanese society
banking systems, etc. Chemical companies
are changing rapidly too, with mergers in particular as a result of mergers of
banks. These are tough times for
chemists.
China
(Qiao) There is fast growth in the Chinese chemical industry, but most
companies are overstaffed. There have
been substantial layoffs and some resultant protest demonstrations. Sinopec tried to lay off 200,000 employees,
but many have already left voluntarily.
CA recruitment
South
Africa (Booth) CA recruitment is difficult, and multinational companies
starting to acquire native South African companies. Dr. Booth will pursue CA’s among the pulp and paper
industry. The World Summit on Sustainable
Development (“Rio +10”) will be held in SA this year.
Canada
(Wright) Drs. Przybylowicz and Smith are COCI members who are candidates for
Bureau. His recommendation to the
This
will be a mini-CHEMRAWN on the topic of the training of chemists for industrial
work.
Dr.
Wright visited with some ICI friends in the UK who took him to a Catalyst
Museum at an old ICI site near Liverpool and Manchester. Information on this visit is in the agenda
book.
Sweden
was approved as the site for the next COCI meeting, tentatively scheduled for
June 6 - 10, 2002. Mr. Unger will
organize the meeting, with the thanks and appreciation of COCI. A site approximately 500 km north of
Stockholm is being considered, as it has many industrial sites to visit.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Pokrovsky:
2. All members:
3. All members
4. Cesa:
5. Cesa
6. Cesa:
7. Cesa , Booth, and De Bievre:
8. Cesa:
9. Cesa:
10. Cesa:
11. Toprak and Pokrovsky:
12. Finance Committee:
13. Booth, Qiao: Determine feasibility of safety workshop in
Beijing for 2002.
14. All members:
15. Wright and Pokrovsky
16. De Bievre:
17. All members:
18. Smith: Provide a brief written overview of the ‘CO2 issue"
19. Unger:
20. Wright:
21. Wright: