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Minutes of 40th IUPAC Council Meeting
13-14 August 1999, Berlin, Germany


23. Applications for Membership in IUPAC
The application of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences for National Adhering Organization status was approved unanimously by a show of cards.

The application of the Turkish Chemical Society for National Adhering Organization status was approved unanimously by a show of cards.

24. Applications for Associated Organization Status within IUPAC
The application of the African Association for Pure and Applied Chemistry for Associated Organization Status was approved unanimously by a show of cards.

25. Adoption of Recommendations on Nomenclature and Symbols
The Delegate from Denmark requested that, in future, IDCNS be asked to provide a complete list of Recommendations approved since the previous General Assembly.

The Recommendations approved by IDCNS were adopted by Council.

26. Important Matters Discussed by Bureau at 40th General Assembly not Covered by Items on Council Agenda

26.1. IUPAC Prize
Dr. Becker reviewed the background material. He noted that a prize for recent Ph.D.s would be more distinctive than a prize for established investigators.

The delegate from Argentina supported the proposal. He noted that the Argentine Chemical Society has a similar program. The delegate from the UK pointed out the need to have the announcement for this prize posted on every Chemistry Department bulletin board and the importance of a good screening process. The Delegate from Belgium suggested that the program be approved for four years and then evaluated. The Delegate from Canada noted that Canada operates a similar program. They would prefer to have applications from Canada reviewed by the Canadian National Committee for IUPAC. The Delegate from Australia suggested that each NAO propose one candidate.

Dr. Becker commented that he was reluctant to impose a burden on the NAOs. He would prefer to have the applications come to the Secretariat. The similar prize offered in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology received approximately 80 applications per year. Dr. Becker agreed that a four-year program with an evaluation at the end of that time was appropriate. Prof. Jortner noted that funding for this program would come from the income for the endowment fund.

The program, to run for four years and then to be evaluated, was approved by a show of cards. The Secretary General was asked to develop the details of the program in consultation with the Bureau. He was asked to involve the NAOs to the extent that they wished to be involved.
> View IUPAC Prize for Young Chemists web page

26.2. Conferences in Developing Countries
Prof. Ohtaki reviewed the proposal to provide funding for IUPAC-sponsored conferences in developing countries. He noted the difficulty of defining a developing country. The Bureau had adopted the phrase "developing and economically disadvantaged countries" to describe those countries eligible for this program. The Bureau had made the following changes in the program as originally proposed: the number of conferences sponsored per year would be two and the restriction on three years of membership had been removed.

The Delegate from Brazil commented that the least developed countries were not members of IUPAC.

The proposed program was passed by a show of cards. The President was authorized to appoint a Committee of Bureau members to act as a selection Committee. The Secretary General was asked to develop the details of the program.

27. Any Other Business (discussion only)
The Delegate from the Slovak Republic suggested that the phrase "from East European" be added to the appropriate place in the Goals. He also suggested that electronic data bases and reference materials be added to the list of IUPAC activities.

Dr. Becker asked that proposed additions and changes to the Strategic Plan be sent to the Secretariat in the next two months.

The Delegate from Belgium asked that, in future, the Vice President's Critical Assessment be added to the Council Agenda. Prof. Jortner noted that the Council eight years ago had asked that the VPCA not be on the Council Agenda.

Prof. Jortner concluded by expressing his gratitude to the NAOs and his colleagues, the Officers of the Union, for their counsel and sage advice. He congratulated the newly elected Vice President, Treasurer, and Bureau Members. He especially thanked the Secretary General for his major contributions, the Treasurer for his contributions to the Union's excellent financial condition, and the Executive Director for preparing the administration of the Union for the 21st century. Prof. Jortner expressed his deep thanks to the Members of the Bureau, Division Presidents, Members of the Division Committees and Commissions, and to the Chairmen and Members of the Standing Committees for their central contributions to the objectives, goals, and activities of IUPAC, pointing out that their work promotes, enhances, and perpetuates the impact of the Union's activities on the international level. It is by the expertise and dedication of these extensive and intensive voluntary activities that IUPAC has served, and will continue to serve, the world chemical research and industrial community as the outstanding international authority on Pure and Applied Chemical Sciences. The modifications in structure and function approved by the Council will allow the Union to continue and increase its impact on global chemical science. Prof. Jortner wished Dr. Hayes a most successful term as President, and he looked forward to seeing the delegates in Brisbane.

The Council meeting was adjourned at 12:00 PM, 14 August.


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