The 90th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition--Global innovations.

Global innovations, chemistry today, S&T, strategies, opportunities, sustainability ... the 90th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition covered it all. Delegates arrived in Winnipeg, MB, in May to take in sessions, lectures, special events, and more. Students came in numbers to present posters, network, attend sessions, and discuss career options. Here are a few highlights and photos of another productive Canadian Society for Chemistry conference.

Chemistry is at a crossroads and the American Chemical Society (ACS) is re-igniting its commitment to S&T through education, collaboration, and innovation. The formidable Catherine "Katie" T. Hunt, ACS president, gave an inspiring presentation to the Canadian Society for Chemistry board of directors. The vision: improving people's lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Her messages: change the face of chemistry by giving chemistry a face; take public positions; experts, speak with one voice ... let's get started!

Barry M. Trost of Stanford University presented the opening plenary lecture, "On Inventing New Reactions for Atom Economy." He explains that an atom economy--more environmentally benign by design--would minimize raw material and waste. Trost believes chemists look at problems as other scientists do but from a different perspective. Chemists see structures that don't yet exist. The lecture ends with a simple question, "is the science mature?" Our understanding of the science of chemistry is in its infancy--this is the wonder of chemistry. It will be many generations before we can say chemistry is mature.

Suzanne Fortier, FCIC, president, National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), spoke at the science policy forum. Fortier focused on the budget's new S&T strategy. The government is committed to maintaining Canada's G7 leadership, to enhancing the commercialization of Canadian ideas and innovations, and to targeting new investments to areas where Canada has the potential to be a world leader--such as energy, environmental technologies, and health sciences. Dear to Fortier are NSERC's goals--serving our communities by taking the lead in advancing knowledge in science and engineering; ensuring that Canadian scientists/engineers can seize opportunities as key players in a global research community; and connecting and applying the strength of the academic research system to address the opportunitites and challenges of building sustainable prosperity for Canada. "It is important for our country to have a strong base in all the disciplines. I truly believe we have tremendous strength and talent in this country." She stresses the need to make science attractive and to support students who will one day replace today's scientists and academics. The science and engineering community must educate the next generation.

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This year's CIC chair's event showcased the Canadian Green Science and Technology Network. Chao-Jun (C. J.) Li, MCIC, McGill University, covered the challenges of green chemistry in academia. Sustainability is an issue as rising world population creates continuing demands. Only ten percent of the resources removed from the earth end up in manufactured goods. Ninety percent is waste. John Jaworski, Industry Canada, spoke on green S&T and the bioeconomy. The global economy relies on fossil and renewable carbon. New cross-sector value chains are being established. Bioproducts are a growing activity in Canada's resource processing and manufacturing industries. Key industry sectors are manufacturing, resource processing, and bio-resources. All three tie into a reduction of waste and sustainability for future generations. Dave Schwass, MCIC, NOVA Chemicals, presented a petrochemical company's perspective. NOVA is a major manufacturer of plastics and primary petrochemicals. Its challenge is to thrive in a competitive environment. Fortunately, sustainable chemistry makes good business sense. For existing technologies, efficiency improves with time and new technologies offer new opportunities. NOVA has been able to reduce waste, emissions, and energy use. Sustainability = efficiency = good economics!

This is what conference is all about--people coming together for global discourse, debate, and exchange.

90th CSC Conference at a Glance

1. Students convene for indepth discussion over ... coffee?

2. Studious looks from a lecture

3. The masses gather for the opening reception.

4. The awards banquet at the stunning Concert Hall at the Fort Garry Hotel

5. The Exhibition Hall is the place to be!

6. NSERC president Suzanne Fortier, FCIC

7. Student volunteers help make everything possible!

8. Pondering publications at the John Wiley booth

9. ACS president Catherine "Katie" T. Hunt and family

10. Plenary speaker Barry M. Trost

11. Poster sessions promote lively discussions.

Thanks to Leif Norman for the use of his photos.

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