After making its way through 16 cities and towns around Taiwan and visiting 37 elementary, junior, and senior high schools, the TKU Mobile Chemistry Lab recently made its final stop. The Mobile Chemistry Lab is a 3.5 ton wagon with a gull-wing door that opens on to a small-scale, fully-equipped chemistry lab. The lab was designed to bring the thrill of science to children in rural and remote areas around Taiwan. During its nine months in operation (March – December, 2011), the mobile lab made two laps around Taiwan and travelled a total distance of around 7,000 km, even venturing to offshore islands such as Penghu, Kinmen, Orchid Island, and Golden Lion Island.

The chief organizer of the nine-month-long activity, the Dean of the TKU College of Science, Dr. Wang Bo-Cheng, stated that the mobile lab and accompanying activities are very important for Tamkang University’s policy of globalization. Not only will the events enhance TKU’s international reputation, but more importantly, they will help to promote science among children from rural areas of Taiwan.

The Mobile Chemistry Lab is just one of the activities held as part of the International Year of Chemistry. The International Year of Chemistry is a joint initiative held 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.

Related activities held by TKU in 2011 include the Chung-ling Creative Chemistry Competition, the Gender and Technology Seminar, and the Marie Curie Exhibition.