10 Dec BSEF around the World: BSEF Japan supports the IYPT2019 closing ceremony (Tokyo)

BSEF, the International Bromine Council, sponsored the International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT2019) Closing Ceremony that took place at Tokyo Prince Hotel (Minato-ku, Tokyo) on December 5th.

The event counted with 500 people from 24 countries including the presence of Mr. Yuki Kawai, chairman of the Chemical Society of Japan (Director, Institute of Molecular Chemistry, National Institutes of Natural Sciences) and Chairman Kohei Tamao (former chairman of the Chemical Society of Japan, Director of RIKEN Toyota).

Director Tamao welcomed all the participants and said ‘The closing ceremony of the International Year of the Periodic Table allows us to recall all the events organized in honour of the anniversary of the Table held all over the world. These events brought glory to the efforts of scientists and engineers who made their contribution to the discovery and development of the Periodic Table, as well as work of those who continue studying new elements nowadays to make a contribution to our modern world.’

2019 has been designated by UNESCO as the International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT), marking the 150th anniversary of the Mendeleev periodic table, which is an iconic image and a vital tool to all who learn and work in science, at all stages of their learning and careers.

The opening ceremony took place in January in Paris, France, and throughout the year many events were held globally to reaffirm the importance of elements in each country.

During the closing ceremony, we assisted to various keynote speakers and an excellent presentation from junior and senior high school students.

Honorary Fellow Akira Yoshino (professor at Meijo University), Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, presented a video message about the importance of elements. Lastly, Prof. Qi-Feng Zhou (President IUPAC) and others greeted and closed.