The Department of Chemistry at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus welcomes you to the 2nd Commonwealth Chemistry Congress 2023. It is our pleasure to host our esteemed colleagues from around the Commonwealth of Nations in Trinidad and Tobago. As the UWI celebrates 75 years as a regional powerhouse of tertiary education, research, and innovation with global reach, we welcome you with our university’s celebratory theme - Rooted, Ready, Rising. This Congress begins a very exciting time in the chemical sciences community as we get together rooted in our shared experiences and ready explore new opportunities to work together as Commonwealth chemistry practitioners. As hosts, we appreciate diversity and inclusivity and Trinidad and Tobago has long been heralded as a melting pot of cultures and experiences. Our national anthem pledges that “every creed and race finds an equal place”. Fundamentally, the Congress recognises the beauty of diversity and acknowledges that excellent chemistry can be done anywhere and by anyone. It is in this spirit that we have undertaken to shape a Congress that integrates equality of opportunity to all delegates, with a focus on providing early career chemists with an outlet for their research and a space to discuss their career ambitions with globally recognised chemical scientists. We look forward to lively sharing of ideas and experiences in a convivial environment and to the new relationships that the congress will facilitate. For us, relationship building is very important to our success as chemical sciences practitioners. The Caribbean region is only now beginning to understand on the impact of chemistry and chemical innovation on socio-economic development and protecting the environmental. The reality of climate change has pushed our governments to accept the role of technology in mitigating its severe effects on small island developing states, which are all particularly vulnerable. Thus, the contribution of this Congress to raising awareness about the critical role of the chemical sciences in shaping a future worth living cannot be underestimated. Furthermore, we appreciate the value that each participant brings in portraying the chemical sciences as a noble profession which assists our sustained efforts to achieve critical growth in our own chemistry community by connecting Caribbean chemists to the broader world stage. The Congress will undoubtedly inspire our early career researchers and young students to explore the vastness of chemical science. We anticipate outcomes that will benefit all participants and their respective chemical sciences societies, institutions, academies, and universities. Together we elevate the role of the chemical sciences for the collective good our nations and the world. Welcome from the Local Organising Committee
Dr Michael Forde Chair, Local Organising Committee University of the West Indies
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