2011 is the International Year of Chemistry. So throughout 2011, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) together with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will be holding a range of Chemistry-related activities in numerous countries around the world. The International Year of Chemistry is a joint initiative by IUPAC and UNESCO. It celebrates the 100th anniversary of IUPAC’s inception and marks 100 years since Marie Sklodowska-Curie broke a host of records by being the first person to receive two Nobel prizes. It is also designed to celebrate the essential role of chemistry in our daily lives.

To celebrate the unveiling of the Mobile Chemistry Lab and promote the International Year of Chemistry, on March 10th TKU held a Mobile Lab Opening Ceremony, which was attended by the President of TKU, Dr. Flora Chia-I Chang, the President of the Chinese Chemistry Society, Cheng Chien-Hong, and the Dean of the TKU College of Science, Dr. Wang Bo-Cheng. President Chang said that coming from an academic background in the humanities, the symbols in the periodic table have always been a mystery to her. However, she has always admired and looked up to Marie Sklodowska-Curie. The Opening Ceremony featured speeches, an array of imaginative posters, and several rows of creative science stalls, which attracted TKU faculty, students, and staff. Students relished the carnival-like atmosphere, and through the interactive games and activities, learned in more detail of the vital role that science plays in our lives.