Professor Hal Sosabowski, professor of public understanding of science, has helped to launch the UN International Year of Chemistry in a unique event at the House of Commons.
The United Nations International Year of Chemistry 2011 (IYC 2011) is a worldwide celebration of the considerable achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the wellbeing of humankind. It aims to increase the public’s appreciation of chemistry in meeting world needs, to engage young people in chemistry and to generate enthusiasm for chemistry's creative future.
IYC 2011 was launched at the House of Commons on Monday 24 January 2011 with the help of the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science. For the first time ever, a series of live chemistry experiments was performed on the Terrace of the House of Commons in a pioneering display in parliament of the wonders of chemistry.
The experiments were all conducted by Professor Hal Sosabowski and his team, after having been carefully approved by the House of Commons’ Serjeant-at-Arms.
David Willetts inaugurated the first experiment which involved chemical luminescence designed to illustrate a reaction that gives out light rather than heat. The effect, which was instant and spectacular, was created by pouring a liquid from one test tube into another. Watch a video of the experiment:
Other experiments included a pulsing reaction, where a liquid magically changed from clear to coloured and back again repeatedly, and the so-called Floating Boat where a lightweight tinfoil craft floated in thin air on the top of an apparently empty fish tank.
You can find out more about the International Year of Chemistry, and view highlights of the launch including speeches and the experiments on the Royal Society of Chemistry website.
