Born from the ambition, aspiration and inspiration of its founding members, Commonwealth Chemistry was launched on Commonwealth Day, in March 2020. We planned our first Congress, here in Trinidad and Tobago, in May 2020. While we were saddened to postpone, we now know that was a prudent decision, based on the advice of governments and public health authorities, in response to what would become a global pandemic. The delay in bringing together our Commonwealth colleagues only makes the experience of this gathering more welcome and important, so we are truly thankful to the University of West Indies for agreeing to host us now, fully three years later. While we could not meet in person in 2020, we were proud that our virtual poster event in September of that year was able to capture the enthusiasm and engagement of the early career chemists and participants who were scheduled to present their work in person. The success of that approach has grown into an annual event that continues to thrive – in 2022 we saw over 180 posters from 31 countries and awarded 25 prizes celebrating researchers from 17 Commonwealth nations . This modern, virtual solution to bring together the best of our Commonwealth community proves once more that chemistry is universal, with prizes being awarded to researchers in small island and developing states such as Fiji and Papua New Guinea, as well as countries with more resources, such as Canada and Australia. What further unites many of these talented early career researchers was the Commonwealth Chemistry event being their first opportunity to present and promote their work to an international audience. Now, as part of this Congress, we are excited to see research on display from over 30 countries, and to engage in powerful discussion sessions on topics relevant to our community, from all regions of the globe. In welcoming you all to this Commonwealth Chemistry Congress we reaffirm our mission and vision, to inspire, celebrate and elevate the role and practice of the chemical sciences for the benefit of Commonwealth nations and their people. We are truly one community, with one voice, catalysing equality for all.
Dr Vicki Gardiner President Commonwealth Chemistry
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