The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) is the world authority on chemical nomenclature, terminology (including the naming of new elements in the periodic table), standardized methods for measurement, atomic weights and many other critically-evaluated data. It develops and maintains Recommendations that create a common language for the global chemistry community. The scientific work of IUPAC is conducted largely through a formal Project System in which proposals from chemists around the world are peer-reviewed and, if meritorious, are approved and supported. In addition, IUPAC has many other wide-ranging activities that ultimately impact both the chemical profession and the worldwide community as a whole. These include the publishing of technical reports, journals, books, databases and other information resources that facilitate the conduct of scientific research, conferences, and the provision of awards for the recognition of scientific excellence. IUPAC is also involved in joint projects with other organizations; one of which is the Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM).
With the increasing focus on open science and FAIR data, IUPAC is focusing effort toward the development of digital standards for chemistry. Led by members of the IUPAC Committee on Publications and Chemical Data Standards (CPCDS), chemists and data scientists must translate existing chemical standards into the digital space, to support the chemistry community. See under ‘Digital Standards‘ for a compilation of active projects and related resources.
The Top Ten Emerging Technologies in Chemistry is an outreach project to showcase the value of Chemistry and to inform the general public as to how the chemical sciences contribute to the well-being of society and the sustainability of Planet Earth.