Welcome

2011 is the International Year of Chemistry and what better way to celebrate it than to join with chemistry educators and researchers from across New Zealand and abroad. ChemEd 2011 Celebrating the International Year of Chemistry seeks to do exactly this, bring together chemistry educators and researchers from across sectors to share together, learn from each other and celebrate the wonders of chemistry.

The 2011 conference will be held in Palmerston North, a hub of scientific endeavour and research. Alongside important tertiary institutes such as Massey University and UCoL Palmerston North is home to a wide variety of research institutes and scientific companies, providing a perfect atmosphere of discovery and enterprise. The venue for the conference will be the modern and architecturally inspiring Universal College of Learning (UCoL) located in the heart of city centre. The facilities here will provide a perfect environment for a conference such as ChemEd2011 and allow for easy walking access to town, local accommodation, restaurants and bars.

Confirmed key notes speakers so far include Jonathan Hare (UK) and Dr. Tony Wright (Aus). Jonathan carried out his PhD working on buckminsterfullerene with Prof. Sir Harry Kroto and he is well known for his television work in series such as Rough Science as well as his involvement in the development of the Creative Science Centre. Tony has strong connections with Palmerston North, having worked at Massey University prior to working at the University of Queensland. Tony has had a long and passionate interest in Chemistry education and the use of information and communication technologies to support learning.

The value of chemistry educators coming together in times of continual change can not be overstated. As changes to Level 1 NCEA take place in 2011 and further changes to Levels 2 and 3 in subsequent years it is important we join together, share our knowledge, hear from experts and provide a voice to contribute positively to the changes taking place. Not only that, it also allows to continue building links both collegially and socially – ChemEd conferences are always good for that!

We look forward to welcoming you to Palmy in 2011.

Craig Steed

Conference Convenor.