International Conference on Pure and Applied Chemistry

The University of Mauritius organised an International Conference on Pure and Applied Chemistry (ICPAC-2016) with other stakeholders at Sofitel Mauritius l’Impérial Resort & Spa, in Flic-en-Flac on Tuesday. The theme was “Emerging Trends in Chemical Sciences.” 

In her opening address, Minister of Education Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun observed that this gathering of scientists clearly matches with the vision and mission of her Ministry in transforming Mauritius into a knowledge-based economy and in promoting quality research. “Your presence is indeed an opportunity to establish new scientific and professional bridges with diverse geographical realities. These are in line with one of the objectives of the Government of Mauritius and my Ministry to promote high level research, especially interdisciplinary and collaborative research,” she stressed.

ICPAC-2016 is providing a platform to share and discuss recent findings and shape new ideas of research covering all topics related to Chemistry. Chemistry is one of the subjects of Science for understanding and explaining the building up and changes of everything that has mass and occupies space. According to the Minister, a number of participants attending ICPAC 2016 are leaders in their respective fields. Emerging young scientists from diverse multidisciplinary chemical fields will be on the same platform to disseminate their research findings. She also said that it is a reflection of our times that, in our complex and, sometimes, dangerous world, there is greater need than ever for the best scientific minds to grapple with pressing problems such as water shortages, climate change and food security.

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For his part, the Director of the OPCW’s (Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) Verification Division, Mr Philippe Denier, gave an overview of the OPCW which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013. His presentation focused on the topic “Towards a World Free of Chemical Weapons: How Science Serves Disarmament.” “We are only too aware of the fact that for health, prosperity and security, chemistry matters,” he said. He underlined the need to understand each other better in pursuit of a common cause and that cause is science always working in pursuit of peace, security and prosperity.