London, 24 October 2020: The International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT2019) “Common Language for Science” Global Report has been released today. This yearlong initiative to raise awareness of chemistry and its applications for sustainable development saw thousands of events take place with an impact that reached people over 130 countries.
As a Public Engagement Partner of IYPT2019, in partnership with UNESCO, 1001 Inventions launched the global educational initiative “Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry”, focusing on the 8th century pioneering polymath Jabir ibn Hayyan. Better known as Geber in the West, his remarkable work included devising and perfecting chemical processes, discovering vital substances, and building precision instruments still used today.
In the Report Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, says:
“The Periodic Table is a reflection of our universal quest for knowledge, a quest that began thousands of years ago and continues to the present day. It spans all continents, from the first documented lead-smelting techniques in Africa some 9,000 years ago, to the isolation of arsenic and antimony by Arab polymath Jabir ibn Hayyan in the 8th century. It is one of the most significant achievements in science, enabling scientists to predict the appearance and properties of matter on Earth and in the Universe.”
“1001 Inventions: Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry” global educational initiative was unveiled at the IYPT2019 Opening Ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, in presence of a distinguished audience, including Nobel laureates, international dignitaries, leading scientists and representatives from governments, industry, and academia.
“Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry” engaged millions of people around the world through a range of science and cultural experiences including interactive and immersive theatrical live shows, hands-on workshops, online educational resources and a short animated film. The film narrated by renowned scientist, author and broadcaster Jim Al-Khalil, takes young audiences on a journey through an exciting world of science from over one thousand years ago.
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The huge success of the initiative rolled out in different cities around the world, in collaboration with IYPT2019 partners, including in Beijing, Montenegro, Moscow, Berlin, London and Cairo. These events are highlighted on pages 76-81 of the Global Report which could be found on this link.
Professors Natalia Tarasova and Jan Reedijk, Co-Chairs of the IYPT2019 International Management Committee said:
“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.”
“1001 Inventions: Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry” continues the IYPT legacy with its global tour in partnership with museums, science centres, festivals, schools, and libraries to raise awareness of the importance of chemistry and its applications and inspire a future generation of scientists while promoting diversity.
To continue to celebrate chemistry by bringing a wondrous journey full of fun and learning to your venues and events contact 1001 Inventions team.
About the International Year of Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements (IYPT2019)
On 20 December 2017, the United Nations General Assembly during its 74th Plenary Meeting proclaimed 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements. Based on the 202 EX/Decision 43, the IYPT2019 was adopted by the UNESCO General Conference at its 39th Session (39 C/decision 60) to highlight the contributions of chemistry and other basic sciences to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The IYPT2019 is an IUPAC initiative and administered by a Management Committee consisting of representatives of the initiating organizations, UNESCO and a number of other supporting international organizations.
The founding partners of IYPT2019 are the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Science (EuCheMS), the International Science Council (ISC), the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) and the International Union of History and Philosophy of Science and Technology (IUHPST). 1001 Inventions and the All-Russian Science Festival are the Public Engagement Partners of IYPT2019.
About 1001 Inventions
1001 Inventions is an award-winning, British based organisation that creates international educational campaigns and initiatives aiming to spark young people’s interest in science. 1001 Inventions believes in the power of culture and storytelling to encourage innovation and promote diversity and inclusion. As such, 1001 Inventions produces themed transmedia productions uncovering fascinating contributions of lesser-known pioneers from Arab, Asian and other Eastern cultures. Such creative public engagement productions cover a wide array of themes including health and wellbeing, machines and robotics, chemistry and its applications as well as animals and nature.
1001 Inventions has engaged with over 450 million people across the globe through effective grassroots outreach as well as working with a network of international partners, including UNESCO, the United Nations World Food Programme, National Geographic and leading academics to produce interactive exhibits, shorts films, live shows, books and educational resources that are being used by hundreds of thousands of educators around the world.
