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Recognition
Driving science policy
On Nov. 18, 2011 at the 3rd Annual Canadian Science Policy Conference, the Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) hosted a plenary panel discussion titled, “Drivers of Innovation in the Chemical-Related Industry Sector.” Panelists from various trade associations discussed the strengths and weaknesses of policies and regulations reflected in industrial-based innovation. Former CIC chair and moderator Bernard West, MCIC, began the session with a special presentation on the accomplishments of the International Year of Chemistry. This was followed by discussion among panelists including Avrim Lazar of the Forests Products Association of Canada, Craig Crawford with the Ontario BioAuto Council, David Yake of DuPont Canada and Dave Collyer, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.
For more information, go to http://water.chemistry2011.org/web/iyc/experiments. Further Canadian experiments will take place as part of National Chemistry Week 2012.
Membership
CSCT membership has its benefits
The Canadian Society for Chemical Technology (CSCT) recently renewed several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with other society to provide additional benefits to its members. The first, with the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB), describes the CSCT’s participation in accreditation of chemical technology programs across Canada. An agreement with the New Brunswick Society for Certified Engineering Technologists and Technicians (NBSCETT) extends benefits between the CSCT and this provincial society. The CSCT is working to renew a similar agreement with the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) and with other provincial societies. These MOUs will improve mobility of chemical technologists between provinces.
Internation Year of Chemistry
High school students compete
Last November, in celebration of the International Year of Chemistry, the Erindale Chemical and Physical Sciences Society (ECPS) at the University of Toronto Mississauga launched the two-part High School Science Competition 2011 to raise public awareness of the importance of chemistry. The first event, Science Showcase, took place Nov. 4 at the Mississauga Valley Community Centre, drawing Grade 11 and 12 students from across Mississauga. The students set up science booths and gave presentations. Topics included the effect of temperature on the pH of fruit juices, how yeast leavens bread and the prevalence and health hazards of bisphenol A. The public voted on the top presentations.
The second event, Science Appreciation, was held at the University of Toronto Mississauga on Nov. 10. The high school students gave presentations about their topic to a panel of judges. The judges’ marks were combined with the public’s votes from the first round and the winners announced. Prizes included gift certificates.
Milestones
100 years young
Canada’s first female chemical engineering graduate, Laura Melba Greer, has turned 100. Greer, who was born Nov. 22, 1911, graduated from U of T in 1934, despite difficulties from professors who felt that she did not belong, reports The Voice, the publication of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers.
Upon graduation, Greer joined Canadian Aircraft Instruments and Accessories as its chief inspector, later becoming the control chemist at the Toronto Filtration Plant. She went on to develop recipes as an analytical chemist at Weston’s Biscuits.
Upcoming Events
March 24, 2012
Southern Ontario Undergraduate Chemistry Conference (SOUSCC}
University of Guelph
Contact: gpenner@uoguelph.ca
March 29, 2012
SCI/CIC Seminar and Awards Dinner
Toronto, Ont.
www.cheminst.ca/sci-awards
April 29‒May 2, 2012
World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
Orlando, Florida
www.bio.org
May 26‒30, 2012
95th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition
Calgary, Alta.
www.csc2012.ca
October 14‒17, 2012
62nd Canadian Chemical Engineering Conference
Vancouver, B.C.
www.csch2012.ca
August 18‒23, 2013
9th World Congress of Chemical Engineering (WCCE9)
Seoul, South Korea
www.wcce9.org
In Memoriam
Peter Korol, MCIC and a 50-year member of the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC), died Dec. 1, 2011 in Victoria. Donald R. Muir, FCIC, age 82, died Oct. 19, 2011 in Calgary.
Les Shemilt, HFCIC, former editor of the Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, professor and dean emeritus of the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University, died age 91 on Dec. 20, 2011 in Hamilton, Ont.
Derwyn Smith, MCIC and a 50-year member of CSC, died Dec. 2, 2011 in Welland, Ont.
Ian C. Twilley, FCIC and a 50-year member of CSC, died Aug. 4, 2011 in Chesterfield, VA.
Full obituaries received by ACCN can be seen at www.accn.ca/inmemoriam. 
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