The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) was formed
in 1919 by chemists from industry and academia. Over nearly eight decades
the Union has succeeded in fostering worldwide communications in the
chemical sciences and in uniting chemistry - academic, industrial and
government - in a common language. IUPAC has long been recognized as
the world authority on chemical nomenclature, terminology, standarized
methods for measurement, atomic weights and many other critically evaluated
data. The Union continues to sponsor major international meetings that
range from specialized scientific symposia to CHEMRAWN meetings with
societal impact. During the Cold War, IUPAC became an important instrument
for maintaining scientific and technical dialogue among the world's
chemists.
With the major changes that have occurred worldwide in chemistry and
the chemical industry, it is important that IUPAC examine its activities
and define its role as the organization principally responsible for
promotion of the chemical sciences internationally. Following a series
of meetings to obtain input from leaders in chemistry on four continents,
IUPAC has redefined its mission and established goals and strategies
to guide its approach to the shaping of the chemical sciences and the
service of chemistry in a rapidly changing world.
Mission Statement
Long-Range Goals
Goals and Strategic Thrusts -- 1998-1999
Implementation and Updating of the Strategic
Plan
Download a copy of the Strategic Plan
rft file (44K) or PDF file
(18K)