Global competition now open as part of the 2011 International Year of Chemistry

The Global Stamp Competition: Chemistry as a Cultural Enterprise is open to students all over the world in three age categories (12-14, 15-18 and undergraduates / teacher students from all subjects). The aim of the competition is to design a national stamp that reflects on ‘Chemistry as a Cultural Enterprise’, showing the chemical impact on culture and/or everyday life in your country.

Once completed, students can submit their designs to the official competition website, where they will also be able to rate and review other students’ designs. The final winners will be chosen by a panel of experts from IUPAC, and the final three winning entries will be displayed during the International Year of Chemistry closing ceremony on 1 December.

The deadline for entries is June 15 2011.

For full details on the competition, visit the official website.

This competition forms part of the International Year of Chemistry 2011 (IYC2011) - a worldwide celebration of the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the wellbeing of humankind. IYC 2011 will offer a range of interactive, entertaining, and educational activities for all ages. The Year of Chemistry is intended to reach across the globe, with opportunities for public participation at the local, regional, and national level.

The goals of IYC2011 are to increase the public appreciation of chemistry in meeting world needs, to encourage interest in chemistry among young people, and to generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry. The year 2011 will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize awarded to Madame Marie Curie—an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women to science. The year will also be the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Association of Chemical Societies, providing a chance to highlight the benefits of international scientific collaboration.

For more information about the goals, activities, administration, and timeline of IYC 2011, please download the IYC Prospectus.