MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF COCI

Brisbane, Australia

3 July 2001

 

DRAFT

 

Present:

 

A Nelson Wright, Chairman      12539 Rue Ranger, Montreal, PQ, CANADA

Mark C. Cesa, Secretary         BP Chemicals Inc., USA

Paul De Bievre                        Duineneind 9, B-2460 Kasterlee, Belgium

Junshi Miyamoto                     Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Japan (Div. of Chem. and Environment)

Michael Booth                        Chemical and Allied Industries Association, South Africa

Min-che Chon                         Chon International Co. Ltd., Korea

Alan Smith                             6 Millstream Close, Wimborne Minster, Dorset (UK)

Jonas Unger                           Katrinelundsv 11, S-181 65 Lidingo, Sweden

Jinliang Qiao                           Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Industry, SINOPEC

Alexander Pokrovsky               UNESCO Division of Mathematics, Physical, and Chemical Sciences

Akira Ishitani                          Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology, Japan

Esma Toprak                          IUPAC-UNIDO-UNESCO Safety Program Trainee and Observer,

                                                            Bogazici U., Turkey

Mikhail Gorelik                        NIOPIK, Russia

Johnsee Lee                           Industrial Technology Research Institute, Taiwan

Edwin Przybylowicz                U. S. A., Executive Committee; Chairman, Finance Committee; Bureau;

                                                            Observer to COCI

 

Visitors:

 

Alan Hayes                            President, IUPAC

P. R. Tundo                            Italy; Chairman, Subcommittee on Green Chemistry

James Bull                             Editorial Advisory Board, PAC

C. Buxthorf                             Treasurer, Executive Committee; Treasurer, Bureau

G. Vorozhtsov                         Russia

Adnan Al-Shalfan                    Kuwait

 

Absent:

 

H. Luzius Senti                       Chatel Dessous, CH-1271 Givrins, Switzerland

Qing Ling Chen                       Director, Shanghai Research Institute of Petrochemical Technology

Gabor Blasko                         Egis Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hungary

Junryo Mino                            Institute for Fundamental Research, Kao Corporation (JAPAN)

Rene-Paul Martin                    Solvay & Cie, Belgium, Past Chairman, COCI

Kan-Nan Chen                        Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, Taiwan, Observer

W. Lubiewa-Wielezynski         Industrial Chemistry Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland, Observer

John D. Bradley                      Representing the CTC (SOUTH AFRICA)

Manfred Grasserbauer             Joint Research Centre of the European Union (BELGIUM)

 

 

Agenda Item 1 ­ Welcome/Local Arrangements/Membership

 

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. 

 

Guy Martens sends regrets via Prof. De Bievre.

 

Alex MacAuley, organizing 2003 Ottawa GA, will attend later.

 

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  COCI meeting in the afternoon.

 

Presidential Poster Session:  Three posters ­ Training Program, DIDAC, Reliability Problems in Chemical Measurement were presented by COCI members, and all were displayed in the registration area and at the Presidential Reception.

 

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  -  was impreseed.

 

Ms. Esma Toprak  was welcomed as an Observer.

 

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.  Dr. Miyamoto met Dr. Taalman recently ­ Dr. Taalman needs official letter of invitation from Alan Hayes to be sent to head of CEFIC.

 

The Committee was reminded that COCI stationery is available from Dr. Cesa.

 

Agenda Item 2 ­ List of Representatives and Observers

 

See “Blue Book.”  The list of COCI Representatives and Observers has been updated. Attendees were asked to proofread their address/contact information for any necessary corrections.

 

Agenda Item 3 - Finalization of Agenda

 

No additions or corrections.

 

Agenda Item 4 - Approval of Minutes of Last COCI Meeting, Berlin

 

Minutes were approved with corrections noted by Prof. De Bievre in agenda book.  At Prof. De Bievre's suggestion, minutes of the 2001 meeting will include action items at end.

 

Agenda Item 5 ­ Updates to Members

 

Some e-mail problems (size) with large attachments in e-mail updates.   Updates were sent both with and without attachments, and the updates are included in the agenda book.

 

Agenda Items 6 ­ 2000/2001 COCI Reports to IUPAC

 

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.  Dr. Wright also referred members to his comments to Pieter Steyn, as included in the agenda book.

 

Agenda Item 7 ­ Company Associates

 

            a.         Certificates

 

John Jost is now sending certificates both to new CA’s and to existing CA’s as they renew subscriptions.

 

            b.         Current Efforts/Solicitations

 

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. Ishitani reports that interest in IUPAC among CA’s is waning, and he stated that better information to CA’s, and information from CA’s, is needed to serve industry better. Dr. Ishitani has solicited Host Companies for the Safety Training Program.

 

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.  Mr. Unger volunteered to inquire with Dechema.

 

Copies of the pamphlet “IUPAC and Industry” were distributed to attendees for dissemination to CA's and other interested parties in their home countries.  Members were reminded that they can order more copies from the IUPAC web site.

 

Agenda Item 8 ­ Safety Training Program

 

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.  To facilitate this, Dr. Cesa will prepare a form letter of solicitation for members to use.

 

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.  Financial support for this activity from government and local companies is being sought.

 

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.  The following actions have been instituted in her department:

 

Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for students and staff

Departmental Safety manual

Seminars on safety practices for new students

Fire fighting training for two departmental technicians

Weekly inspections for eye washes, safety showers

Waste disposal committee ­ contractors for hazardous waste disposal, proper labeling of waste containers, etc.

Proactive behaviors for possible earthquakes and fires:

Fire alarms to be installed in all labs, including other departments in same building (physics, biology)

Monthly inspections for fire extinguishers

Fixed gas cylinders and cabinets to walls ­ earthquake protection

Fire escape stairs proposed

First aid courses and an infirmary for the Chem. Eng. Department building

 

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  6 month duration, with possible extension for 3 more months. Dr. Pokrovsky guaranteed Safety Training Program support for next 2 years.

 

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.  Dr. Pokrovsky suggested that associated companies with UNIDO can be a source of Host Companies.

 

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.  Mr. Unger stated that as Turkey joins the EU, there will be efforts from bordering nations on assist in upgrading Turkish safety regulations in general.

 

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. 

 

Mr. Unger mentioned the University Process Safety Center in the UK, which has a newsletter, and suggested that the newsletter could be used as vehicle for dissemination of information on the Safety Training Program and related activities.

 

Agenda Item 9 - DIDAC, Update

 

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.  Also being discussed is the conversion of the DIDAC materials to poster format.

 

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.  Translations cost about $10,000 each.

 

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.  The use of DIDAC has been recommended as national policy in many nations in Africa.

 

Dr. Pokrovsky is also working on producing and distributing materials for Microscience Experiments in conjunction with DIDAC.. and he proposed that COCI, UNESCO, and CTC distribute periodic tables for educational purposes in the same way as DIDAC materials are distributed.

 

Agenda Item 10 - Workshop on Safety in Chemical Production

 

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.  Unfortunately, Prof. El-Emam, who was invited to speak, cannot attend.

 

A Workshop for China, to be funded by Sinopec, has been proposed for 2002.  Dr. Booth will supervise and prepare a preliminary budget.  Dr. Johnsee Lee suggested that a similar workshop could be presented in Taiwan or Vietnam in 2003 to coincide with the Asian Chemical Societies meeting.

 

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.   Prof. Tundo wants to continue to work with IUPAC to have a positive impact on society.

 

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&EN contains an IUPAC-generated definition of the term “green,” which is included in these minutes by reference.

 

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.  He endorsed the concept of the interdivisional committee.

 

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.   Hayes encouraged Prof. De Bievre to continue to try to regain Martens’ participation in IUPAC.

 

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.  He also encouraged Prof. De Bievre’s efforts to get Martens on the interdivisional committee.

 

Extra ­ Publications

 

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.  Due to the excellent coverage in the review article literature to date, finding a niche for review articles in PAC will be difficult; however, the new project system may identify new reviews that PAC could publish.

 

Extra ­ Comments from Hayes

 

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 pointed out that DIDAC is being used in part at the high school level to improve science education and promote interest in chemistry.

 

Agenda Item 12 ­ Reliability Problem in Chemical Measurement

 

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 for posting of this data.

 

Agenda Item 13 ­ Molecular Basis of Biodiversity

 

See agenda book.  Approval of publication from this April 2001 workshop is pending approval from the IUPAC Executive Committee.

 

Agenda Item 14 ­ April 2001 China Visit

 

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.  Photos from Dr. Wright’s meeting were circulated, and a CI article is in preparation.

 

Agenda Item 15 ­ Cooperation with UNESCO/UNIDO

 

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.  Dr. Pokrovsly has also overseen donations of Pentium computers from American industrial companies to developing countries.

 

The ICC/EC Committee for interaction between IUPAC and UNESCO was to meet in Brisbane later in the week.

 

Agenda Item 16 ­ Finance Subcommittee

 

See agenda book for current state of finances for COCI.

 

a.         Guidelines for Current Funds

 

In the agenda book are Dr. Senti's proposed guidelines for financial support for travel to meetings; seed money for new programs, etc.  A motion to accept these guidelines was approved.

 

b.         IUPAC Funding of COCI

 

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.  COCI would prefer that current holdings be still the property of COCI, and possibly included with general IUPAC funds to improve the investment potential.

 

Agenda Item 17 ­ Ad Hoc Committee on IUPAC/Industry

 

See the agenda book for background information.  A special committee was set up by Dr. Hayes with the goal of fostering improved interaction with industry, and in particular to get regional industrial chemical associations involved.  Dr. Rob Taalman of CEFIC is now a COCI member but did not attend this meeting.  See June 2001 C&EN for an article describing the reorganization of CEFIC.  The next meeting of this ad hoc committee will be held before the end of 2001.

 

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.

 

Agenda Item 18 ­ IUPAC Funding of New Projects

 

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.”  Interactions with Dr. Pokrovsky on project generation were also suggested.

 

Agenda Item 19 - New “Project” Suggestions

 

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. 

 

There will be an activity listing on the web, including the following:

 

CO2 problem

Global warming

 

Dr. Smith will provide a brief written summary of the CO2 issue.

 

Agenda Item 20 - Is COCI Aligned with the Future Directions of IUPAC?

 

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.  Dr. Hayes has set up a meeting for July 9 in Brisbane on World Leadership in Chemistry, which several COCI members, including Dr. Wright, will attend.

 

A round table discussion on issues of importance to local countries of attendees included the following:

 

U. S. A. (Cesa)­ increasing the number of new American CA’s.

 

U. K.  (Smith)­ The Royal Society of Chemistry is the new NAO.  Dr. Smith is chairman of the industrial organization within RSC interacting with IUPAC.

 

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.  The major difficulties with its use in Russia have to do with the manner of teaching ­ the concept of using these materials is outside the experience of most teachers.

 

Korea (Chon) ­ DIDAC translation into Korean is to be completed by October 2001.  Pictures are now in electronic form.  CA interactions in Korea also difficult due to slowdown of chemical industry, but are expected to improve.

 

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.  She requested certificates for training new persons in safety. Ms. Toprak will prepare workshop for January with UNESCO financial support.

 

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 anniversary of the Nobel Prize will be celebrated in Norway this year.

 

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.  Future applications to other parts of the world are anticipated, including developing countries.

 

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.  Research laboratories becoming independent of direct control of science and technology agencies, so that in 4-5 years all universities will be independent of government as well.

 

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  is difficult at present, and there is not as close an industrial relationship with IUPAC as there is among the academic community.

 

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.  Dr. Booth will be strongly involved through the Chemical and Allied Industries Association.

 

Canada (Wright) ­ Drs. Przybylowicz and Smith are COCI members who are candidates for Bureau.  His recommendation to the  Canadian delegation is to vote for both, as well as for Dr. Bali from China.

 

Agenda Item 21 ­ Joint Meeting with CHEMRAWN, July 4, 2001

 

This will be a mini-CHEMRAWN on the topic of the training of chemists for industrial work.  Several COCI members will participate.

 

Agenda Item 22 ­ The Museum of the Chemical Industry

 

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.  The Museum has interactive displays in many areas of chemistry, and Dr. Wright recommended it highly.

 

Agenda Item 23 ­ Next COCI Meeting, 2002

 

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.  Mr. Unger will update COCI with details.

 

Dr. Wright is working to get increased corporate support for the 2003 meeting in Ottawa.

 

Agenda Item 24 - Adjournment

 

Meeting was adjourned at 6 PM.

 

ACTION ITEMS:

 

1.         Pokrovsky:  provide letter of financial support for the Endocrine Active Substances super-project by 12/01.

 

2.         All members:  Keep local CA’s informed on COCI and IUPAC activities.

 

3.         All members: Proofread address and contact information in the agenda book for any necessary corrections by 6/1/02.

 

4.         Cesa:  Provide COCI stationery to members on request.

 

5.         Cesa: E-mail presentation on safety training program to COCI attendees by 10/31/01.

 

6.         Cesa:  Provide personal form letter to COCI members to circulate to CA’s in their home countries for solicitation of Host Companies for the Safety Training Program by 10/31/01.

 

7.         Cesa , Booth, and De Bievre:  Review Chinese candidate by 9/30/01.

 

8.         Cesa:  Prepare certificates of completion of program for safety trainees by 10/31/01.

 

9.         Cesa:  Prepare project proposal on Safety Training Program topic by 11/30/01.

 

10.        Cesa:  Organize Safety Program Symposium for Ottawa by 6/1/02.

 

11.        Toprak and Pokrovsky:  Prepare proposal for Safety Workshop to be held in Turkey by 3/31/02.

 

12.        Finance Committee:  Draft project proposal for IUPAC funding long-term by 10/31/01.

 

13.        Booth, Qiao:  Determine feasibility of safety workshop in Beijing for 2002.  Organize activities for the Workshop as appropriate.

 

14.        All members:  Provide speaker suggestions to Drs. Booth and Qiao for Chinese safety workshop once agenda is developed.

 

15.        Wright and Pokrovsky: Prepare proposal for DIDAC/peroidic table/Microscience Experiments preparation and distribution by 11/31/01.

 

16.        De Bievre:  Ask Guy Martens to serve as industrial representative on interdivisional committee on matters such as recommendations on the terms ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’ by 12/31/01.

 

17.        All members:  Provide suggestions to Prof. Bull on special topic issues or reviews of an industrial nature.

 

18.        Smith:  Provide a brief written overview of the ‘CO2 issue" by 3/31/02.

 

19.        Unger:  Contact Dechema on identifying COCI member from Germany by 12/31/01.

 

20.        Wright:  Arrange for official letter of invitation from Dr. Hayes for Dr. Taalman's membership in COCI, to be sent to the head of CEFIC by 9/30/01.

 

21.        Wright:  Organize and provide guidance for contributions from COCI Strategic Planning Group (Wright, Cesa, De Bievre, Unger).