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for
Chemical Sciences in Development

What We Do: Publications

IOCD and its scientists have published a range of papers, reports and brochures over the years, highlighting the work of the organization and the field of the chemical sciences and its role in development. Many of them can be directly accessed or downloaded through the links provided:
Articles in Journals and Magazines
IOCD Perspectives
IOCD presents occasional perspective/comment/opinion articles on topics of current interest related to the chemical sciences, sustainable development and the broader connections between science and society.
The views expressed in these pieces are solely the responsibility of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of IOCD.
This Perspective highlights a paper from IOCD's action group, C4S, which discusses the role of the chemical sciences in sustainability and illustrates the use of the Systems-Oriented Concept Map Extension (SOCME) tool in three case studies that explore the sustainability of production, use and disposal of aluminium, plastics and textiles.
IOCD's group Chemists for Sustainability highlights the significance of this new UN Day, which is celebrated for the first time in 2020.
With the world facing a range of massive environmental challenges, planetary boundaries being exceeded and tipping points approached, achieving sustainability has emerged as one of the most important goals of the 21st Century and is the central focus of IOCD's action group, C4S. This Perspective examines the evolution of the concept of sustainability and considers how the repositioning of chemistry can strengthen its contributions as a sustainability science.
IOCD's action group, C4S, highlights the critical importance of a well-functioning relationship between science, society and policy as the best protection against threats posed by oncoming global challenges.
IOCD scientists Henning Hopf and Stephen Matlin reflect on the significance of the 50th Earth Day, which focuses on climate action. They consider this event in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and the critical role of science in combatting such global crises.
Stephen Matlin comments on the significance of the International Women's Day 2020 theme and the effort that still needs to be made to ensure equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in science. He highlights the work of IOCD's group Chemists for Sustainability to promote EDI in the chemical sciences.
IOCD's group Chemists for Sustainability (C4S) proposed in 2016 that chemistry should adopt systems thinking (ST) as a crucial component of reforms needed to revitalise the discipline and to strengthen its capacity to contribute to sustainable development. In this Perspective Stephen Matlin summarises work of the C4S group and the progress being made in incorporating ST in the chemical sciences.
Hype is becoming increasingly common in the publicity surrounding scientific work, in the claims made for the significance of findings reported in the scientific literature and in the speculations about potential ‘impact’ that are encouraged in grant applications. The Chemists for Sustainability (C4S) action group in IOCD has drawn attention to the dangers this poses — as a first step down the slippery slope that leads from hype and hypocrisy to falsification and fakery. The Perspective by Stephen Matlin highlights recent work by C4S on this topic.
Stephen Matlin highlights recent and ongoing work by IOCD's group Chemists for Sustainability on the need to reduce waste in all its forms and the roles that the chemical sciences need to play in achieving a post-trash world.
Decisions taken and actions executed by governments, organizations, industries and people everywhere, in relation to reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals and addressing an unfolding set of planetary environmental crises and emergencies, will have profound effects on the lives of individuals and the conditions in the planetary environment, both in the immediate term and for a very long time ahead. Science has immense capacities to help meet these challenges — and to do so it needs to make its best efforts to deliver evidence, advice and products, but also to engage effectively with society and policy makers to ensure that sound pathways are chosen towards sustainable development and the sustainability of the planetary environment. The Perspective by Stephen Matlin highlights work by IOCD's group Chemists for Sustainability to examine and promote the roles that the chemical sciences must play in shaping a sustainable future.
Stephen Matlin reflects on the launch of the Manifesto to Secure a Healthy Planet for All — A Call for Emergency Action by the InterAction Council, its significance in the context of the growing planetary climate and environmental crisis, and IOCD's work to enhance the role of the chemical sciences in sustainable development.
Stephen Matlin celebrates the contributions of Thomas Eisner, born 25 June 1929, as the ‘father of chemical ecology’ and an ardent promoter of biodiversity conservation, the value of which could be demonstrated through ‘chemical prospecting’. He highlights the linkages to IOCD's previous and continuing work on the role of the chemical sciences in sustainable development.
IOCD's action group 'Chemists for Sustainability' reflects on the significance of World Environment Day, 5 June 2019, the urgency of action to reduce the impacts of human activity on the planetary environment and the role that chemistry must play in achieving a sustainable future.
Stephen Matlin highlights a new publication in Nature Sustainability from a project of IUPAC, supported by IOCD, which discusses the introduction of systems thinking into education and demonstrates the use of a new visualisation tool, the Systems-Oriented Concept Map Extension (SOCME).
Stephen Matlin reflects on the central role that chemistry must play in sustainable development.
Vivian Yam writes about the importance of encouraging women and girls in science and of celebrating their successes – not only on special event days, but throughout the year.
Stephen Matlin highlights the barriers and discrimination that women continue to meet at all levels of science, the need to address the challenges in equity, diversity and inclusion in science and the valuable role that can be played by training in cultural competence.
Working Papers, Reports, Web Articles, and Press Statements Published by IOCD
See also additional publications on these IOCD web pages:
IOCD Brochures and Newsletters
Lectures and Presentations at Meetings
  • S. A. Matlin. Chemistry for the sustainability of people and planet: Why chemists need systems thinking. Lecture presented 6 January 2022 at the XVII National Organic Symposium Trust Conference for Research Scholars (JNOST 2022), University of Hyderabad, India. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, posted online February 2022. Slides; Text.
  • S. A. Matlin. Applying systems thinking to chemistry and agriculture for sustainability. Workshop held at Sustainable Chemistry and Agriculture: 7th Summer School on Sustainable Chemistry for Sustainable Development, Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University 12-16 July 2021. Session: Concepts of Sustainable Chemistry Thursday 15th July 2021. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, posted online February 2022. Slides.
  • S. A. Matlin. Chemistry and agriculture: approaching sustainability using systems thinking. Presented at Sustainable Chemistry and Agriculture: 7th Summer School on Sustainable Chemistry for Sustainable Development, Institute of Sustainable Chemistry, Leuphana University 12-16 July 2021. Session: Concepts of Sustainable Chemistry Wednesday 14th July 2021. Slides; Text.
  • P.G. Mahaffy, T. Holme, S.A. Matlin, J. Stewart, M. Whalen. Strengthening the role and relevance of the chemical sciences for the future of our planet: Systems thinking in chemistry education.. Paper presented at 48th IUPAC World Conference on Chemistry Education / 104th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition: Solving Global Challenges with Chemistry. Symposium: Systems Thinking in Chemistry Education. Virtual Conference, 13-20 August 2021. Abstract.
  • S. A. Matlin, P. G. Mahaffy, K. Kümmerer. Sustainability of paper and paperboard as a contextual approach to applying systems thinking in chemistry education. Paper presented at 48th IUPAC World Conference on Chemistry Education / 104th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition: Solving Global Challenges with Chemistry. Symposium: Systems Thinking in Chemistry Education. Virtual Conference, 13-20 August 2021. Abstract; Text; Slides.
  • J. M. Whalen, P. G. Mahaffy, J. J. Stewart, T. A. Holme, S.A. Matlin. Ammonia: smelling salts for systems thinking in chemistry education. Paper presented at 48th IUPAC World Conference on Chemistry Education / 104th Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition: Solving Global Challenges with Chemistry. Symposium: Systems Thinking in Chemistry Education. Virtual Conference, 13-20 August 2021. Abstract.
  • S.A. Matlin, L. Keßler, K. Kümmerer. Chemistry, sustainability and textiles in a post-trash society. Paper presented at 5th Green and Sustainable Chemistry Conference, Dresden, 10-11 November 2020. XX, 10 November 2020.
  • S.A. Matlin. Reorienting the future of chemistry through systems thinking in chemistry education. In: 15th European Conference on Research in Chemical Education, ECRICE 2020, Excellence and Innovation in Chemistry Teaching & Learning, Webinar 6 July 2020. Symposium 2 - Systems Thinking in Chemistry Education, Abstract No. 10, Book of Abstracts, p10.
  • S.A. Matlin. The changing landscape of health innovation networks to foster research and development. Paper presented at the 2019 World Conference on Access to Medical Products — Achieving the SDGs 2030, 19-21 November 2019, New Delhi, India. Text; Slides.
  • G. Mehta. Dimensionality of Chemistry — A 21st Century science for global sustainability. Lecture in: Symposium Advances in Chemical Research (ACR2021), Gitam University, India 19 April 2021. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, April 2020, 45p.
  • G. Mehta. Chemistry — A 21st Century science for global sustainability: Is it future ready? CSIR Foundation Day Lecture at the National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, 27 September 2019.
  • P. G. Mahaffy, S.A. Matlin. Systems thinking in chemistry education: An IUPAC project. Presented to the IUPAC Committee on Chemistry Education Meeting at the 47th IUPAC World Chemistry Congress, Paris, 7-8 July 2019.
  • P. G. Mahaffy, S.A. Matlin. Systems thinking in chemistry education. Poster presented at 47th IUPAC World Chemistry Congress, Paris, 7-12 July 2019.
  • P. G. Mahaffy, S.A. Matlin. Systems thinking to educate about the molecular basis of sustainability. Paper presented at 47th IUPAC World Chemistry Congress, Paris, 7-12 July 2019.
  • S.A. Matlin, P.G. Mahaffy. Systems thinking, green chemistry and the molecular basis of sustainability. Paper presented at the 4th Green and Sustainable Chemistry Conference, Dresden, 6 May 2019. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, May 2019. Text; slides.
  • S.A. Matlin, P.G. Mahaffy. Systems thinking: A vital contribution to strengthening the role of chemistry in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Presentation at the CHED Symposium, 1 April 2019, UN Sustainable Development Goals: Unique Opportunities for the Chemical Enterprise, during the American Chemical Society National Meeting, 31 March – 4 April 2019, Orlando, FL, USA.
  • S.A. Matlin. The Chemical Sciences and a sustainable future. Based on TGH Jones Memorial Lecture presented at the University of Queensland, 16 July 2018. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, 2018. Text; Slides.
  • S.A. Matlin. Chemistry and health: the need for a comprehensive approach. Lecture given at the School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland: 17 July 2018. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur 2018. Text; Presentation.
  • P.G. Mahaffy, S.A. Matlin. Seeing the forest while in the trees: systems thinking in science education. Keynote presentation at the 25th International Conference on Chemistry Education, Sydney, 10-14 July 2018.
  • P.G. Mahaffy, S.A. Matlin. Addressing human outcomes in chemistry education through a systems thinking orientation - an IUPAC Systems Thinking In Chemistry Education (STICE) project update. Paper presented at 101st Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition, Edmonton, AB, Canada, 27-31 May 2018. Abstract for Oral Presentation on 28 May.
  • S.A. Matlin, P.G. Mahaffy. One-World Chemistry: Implications for Education. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, September 2017.
  • S.A. Matlin. One-World Chemistry for a Sustainable Future. RSC Lecture, University of Sunderland: 22 March 2017. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, 2017. Text; Presentation.
  • G. Mehta. Dimensionality of chemistry: a science for global sustainability in the 21st Century. Inaugural Lecture, National Conference on New Vistas in Chemical Research, IIS University, Jaipur, India, 18-19 January 2017.
  • S.A. Matlin. The Contribution of the Chemical Sciences to Global Progress: Achievements, Prospects and Challenges. Paper presented at Gordon Conference on Chemistry Education Research & Practice: Chemistry Education as an Agent in Global Progress. Bates College, Lewiston ME, USA, 21-26 June 2015. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur 2015.
  • S.A. Matlin. Chemical Sciences for Development: Potential and Prospects.. Lecture presented at the Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre, Institut national de la recherche scientifique, University of Quebec, 22 July 2014. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, 2014. Text; Presentation.
  • S.A. Matlin. ChemKnowBase: A new internet-based knowledge resource to support teachers and learners in chemistry. Paper presented at 23rd IUPAC International Conference on Chemistry Education, Toronto, 13-18 July 2014. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, 2014. Text; Presentation.
  • S.A. Matlin. Chemistry Education for the 21st Century. Opening paper presented at IOCD-CHEMRAWN Consultative Meeting on Chemistry Education for the 21st Century, Namur, 13-15 January 2014. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, 2014.Text; Presentation.
  • S.A. Matlin. New challenges in the chemical sciences for development. Paper presented at the Joint NARC-IOCD International Symposium and Public Seminar, ‘Chemical Development: Chemistry, a Crossway Towards Interdisciplinary Science’, Namur, Belgium, 5 July 2012. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, 2012.
  • S.A. Matlin. Globalization and development: The critical role of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis. Keynote Paper at the 23rd International Symposium on Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis (23PBA), João Pessoa, Brazil, 9-12 October 2011.
  • S.A. Matlin. History of IOCD. Presentation at consultation on future strategy of IOCD. International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, 10-11 March 2011.
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IOCD LogoIOCD LogoInternational Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development
Executive Director: Prof. Federico Rosei
Centre for Energy, Materials and Telecommunications
Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique
Université du Québec, Canada
Email: ceo@iocd.org

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