Vice President's Critical Assessment - 1997
II.3 RESTRUCTURING
The recommendations for restructuring are based on the elements
outlined in the preceding section (II.2). The recommendations
for restructuring rest on the following principles:
(A) Interdisciplinary Unification.
(B) Closing of gaps in the Union's activities. The following
guidelines are invoked:
-
The structure of IUPAC should be compatible
with current scientific trends and mission-oriented goals.
- The creation of the two new divisions, i.e., Chemistry and the
Environment (VI) and Chemistry and Human Health (VII), serves important
mission-oriented goals of the Union.
- The integration, consolidation and coordination of the activities
of several divisions should be implemented to respond to issues
of interdisciplinary unification, i.e., (A1) - (A3) of section (II.2).
-
The extension of activities of a single division
or of a pair of divisions to respond to closing of the gaps,
issues (B1) and (B2) of section (II.2).
- An evolutionary process of restructuring should be undertaken
with a thorough definition of principles, program advancement and
time table for implementation.
II.3.1 Physical Chemistry Division (I)
and Analytical Chemistry Division (V)
An important consequence of the principle of disciplinary unification,
i.e., issues (A1) - (A3) of section (II.2), is the strong overlap
between the techniques and concepts of modern analytical and physical
chemistry. Modern work in mass-spectrometry, laser-spectroscopy,
surface properties, supersonic beams and trace interrogation,
utilize identical advanced techniques. Furthermore, new advanced
analytical methods, such as remote spectroscopic environmental
monitoring, which utilize lasers and telescopic detection, provide
a bridge between physical and analytical chemistry. In surveying
the activities of the two divisions, 35 projects of the analytical
chemistry division rest on the experimental and theoretical basis
of physical chemistry. Leading physical chemists are currently
making central contributions to analytical chemistry. Of course,
also in the traditional important areas of thermodynamics and
electrochemistry, there is a considerable overlap between the
two disciplines.
It is recommended to undertake the integration, consolidation
and coordination of the relevant activities of the Divisions of
Physical Chemistry (I) and of Analytical Chemistry (V), with the
specific advantages of:
-
A significant upgrading of the scientific-technological
quality of many programs undertaken by the two Divisions.
- Enhancement of the mission-oriented aspects of activities of
the Physical Chemistry Division.
- Optimization of the allocation of resources.
In September 1996 the Presidents of Divisions (I) and (V) were
asked to address the following issues:
-
Principles for the integration, consolidation
and coordination of the relevant activities of the Divisions
of Physical Chemistry and of Analytical Chemistry.
- A program for the integration, consolidation and coordination
of the relevant activities of Divisions (I) and (V).
The response of the presidents of Divisons (I) and (V) (see Addendum
on Correspondence between VP and DPs) was:
1. President of the Division of Physical Chemistry (I).
1.1 Response to recommendations of VP.
1.1.1 Agreement with principles.
1.1.2 Implementation requires great caution and broad support.
1.1.3 Concentrate the activities on thermodynamics in the Physical
Chemistry Division (I), integrating
Commission I.1 - Thermodynamics
Commission V.6 - Equilibrium Data
Commission V.8 - Solubility Data
1.1.4 Concentrate the activities on electrochemistry in Analytical
Chemistry Division, (V) integrating
Commission I.3 - Electrochemistry
Commission V.5 - Electroanalytical Chemistry
1.1.5 Set working parties on issues 1.1.3 and 1.1.4.
1.2 Division Activities.
1.2.1 Flexibility in ratio of the numbers of Core/Floating members.
1.2.2 Relate at least a part of finances to a fixed sum per TM.
2. President of Division of Analytical Chemistry (V)
2.1 Response to recommendations of VP.
2.1.1 Support of changes proposed.
2.1.2 Create a powerful unit on thermodynamics within the Physical
Chemistry Division (I) according to the procedure outlined in
section 1.1.3.
2.1.3 Establish strong coordination between commissions I.3 and
V.5. Create within 2 years a unified Commission on Electrochemistry
in the Analytical Division (V), according to the procedure outlined
in section 1.1.4.
2.1.4 Making Commission V.1 on general aspects of Analytical Chemistry,
the major commission for dealing with all aspects of quality control,
integrating with it. The Working Group on Harmonization of Quality
Insurance Schemes in Analytical Laboratories. Work of Commission
II.4 (Isotope Specific Measurements) dealing with tractability
of analytical data based on isotope measurements.
2.2 Division Activities
2.2.1 Reduction of number of TMs in each commission and in Division
Committee.
2.2.2 Increase number of TM for Division pool
2.2.3 New mission-oriented projects will be guided by the Division
Committee or by a designated commission.
II.3.2 Macromolecular Division (IV)
An important consequence of the principle of closing gaps, i.e.,
(A3) in the context of materials and issue (B1) of section II,
is the extension of the scope of activities of Division IV to
encompass chemistry of materials. This extension of activities
of Division IV will enhance both the scientific and the mission-oriented
dimension of its contributions.
It is recommended:
-
To change the name of Division IV to Materials
and Macromolecular Chemistry Division.
- To formulate a program for the activities of the division in
the area of material science.
- To suggest the consolidation of existing activities of IUPAC
within the framework of material science.
In September 1996 the President of Division (IV) was asked to
address these issues. The response of the President of Division
(IV) (see Addendum on VP-DP correspondence) was:
1. Response to recommendations of VP.
1.1 Include "Materials" in Division name.
1.2 Incorporate the following existing activities of IUPAC within
the Division: Commission II.3 on High Temperature Materials and
Solid State Chemistry. Commission I.6 on Colloid and Surface Chemistry,
including Catalysis.
2. Division Activities.
2.1 Allocate Division funds by the DP.
3. IUPAC Missions.
3.1 Monographs on existing polymer technologies will broaden access
and applicability of chemically related technologies.
3.2 Planning a program for education in materials chemistry in
developing countries.
3.3 Proposal for "peace corps" program in developing countries.
II.3.3 Inorganic Chemistry Division (II)
and Organic Chemistry Division (III).
The activities of the Inorganic Chemistry Division and the Organic
Chemistry Division have to respond to the principles of interdisciplinary
unification, issues (A1)-(A3) and closing gaps in the area of
biological chemistry, i.e., issue (B2).
In September 1996 the Presidents of Divisions (II) and (III)
were asked to respond to the following issues:
-
The erosion of boundaries between inorganic,
organic and biological chemistry. How should these developments
reflect on the future structure and activities of the Division?
- IUPAC did not sufficiently contribute in the past to Biological
Chemistry. How should the extension of activities in this important
area reflect on the future structure and activities of the Division?
The response of the Presidents of Divisions (II) and (III) (see
addendum on correspondence of VP with DPs) was:
1. President of Division of Inorganic Chemistry (II).
1.1 Response to recommendations of VP.
1.1.1 The Division maintains core activities in atomic weights
revision and nomenclature development.
1.1.2 The unique activities of Division (II) and reluctance to
see the merging of traditional disciplines of chemistry leads
to a strong objection to combine Division (II) with any other,
least of all with Division (III).
1.1.3 Put effort into inter-divisional activities, perhaps through
joint commissions (e.g., organometallic chemistry, bioinorganic
chemistry jointly with biochemistry).
1.2 Division Activities
1.2.1 Membership in Committees and Commissions be determined by
function and not length of service of members.
1.2.2 Membership of Division Committee should be restricted to
five members, including the Officers.
1.2.3 Commission Chairs helping to plan and evaluate entire division
programs and funding.
1.2.4 Control of Division of TM funds.
1.2.5 Commission membership to be defined by function.
1.3 IUPAC Mission.
1.3.1 Rigid structure and complex organization of IUPAC.
1.3.2 The slow work of the Union precludes a timely response to
urgent demands.
1.3.3 Retain current division structure but also modify the frontiers
between the divisions, so flexibility is established.
1.3.4 Reorganization needs free resources so that they can be
rapidly and effectively redeployed.
1.3.5 Set a minimal number of Division Committee members.
1.3.6 The President should be provided with a Bureau which can
respond quickly to initiatives.
2. President of Division of Organic Chemistry (III).
2.1 Response to recommendations of VP.
2.1.1 Change name of Division (III) to "Division of Organic and
Bioorganic Chemistry".
2.1.2 Establish a suitable liaison between Bioorganic chemistry
and relevant activities in Physical Chemistry Division (Commission
of Biophysical Chemistry) and Inorganic Chemistry Division (working
group on Bioinorganic chemistry).
2.1.3 Willingness to incorporate Commission on Biotechnology in
Division (III). 2.2 Division Activities.
2.2.1 Existence of Organic Chemistry Division is essential.
2.2.2 Broad cooperation with other Divisions on new and ongoing
projects.
2.2.3 Do not create new commissions. Transfer subcommissions into
task forces.
2.3 IUPAC Missions.
2.3.1 Maintain nomenclature activities.
2.3.2 Upgrade quality of IUPAC sponsored conferences.
It is recommended:
-
To extend the activities of IUPAC in the area
of Biological Chemistry. Emphasis on the unique contributions
of Chemistry to Biology will be highlighted by referring to this
area as "Biomolecular Chemistry".
- An integrated framework of activities in Biomolecular Chemistry
should be maintained, avoiding the splitting into bioinorganic and
bioorganic chemistry.
- The Division of Organic Chemistry (III) should assume primary
responsibility for the planning and execution of projects in Biomolecular
Chemistry.
- To form an Interdivisional Working Party on Biomolecular Chemistry,
which will be organized by the Divison of Organic Chemistry.
-
To establish strong coordination between the
Interdivisional Working Party on Biomolecular Chemistry and relevant
activities in the Divisions of Inorganic Chemistry (II), Physical
Chemistry (I) and Chemistry and Human Health (VII).
-
The newly reconstituted Commission on Biotechnology
should be transferred to the Division of Organic Chemistry (III)
at the end of the next biennium.
-
In recognition of this lead responsibility in
the important area of Biological Chemistry the name of Division
III should be changed at the end of the next biennium to "Division
of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry".
II.3.4 Chemistry and Environment Division
(VI)
Division (VI) is in initial formative stages. In September 1996
the Division President was asked to advance proposals regarding
the structure and activity of the Division, pertaining to the
restructuring of the Division and changes in the structure of
the commissions. The DP was also asked to consider allocation
of internal resources, planning of projects and appointment of
Titular Members. The response of the DP (see Addendum on VP-DPs
correspondence) addresses:
1. Modes of Division Activities.
1.1 The Division is in the stage of organization, with insufficient
coordination and integration between the commissions. The DP asks
the corresponding members to act as an interface between the Division
Committee and the Commissions.
1.2 It is highly desirable that Division members could meet twice
a year.
1.3 The activities of existing commissions are broad, however,
not all commissions are equally strong. It is proposed to establish
a Commission on Fundamental Environmental Chemistry.
1.4 TMs and AMs should be appointed when the project has been
approved. Have a smaller number of TMs in each commission with
a division reserve of TMs. Consider to reduce the number of members
of Division Commission. Reevaluate the role of NR's.
1.5 Establish modes of cooperation between Division (VI) and other
divisions. Form interdivision coordination groups to integrate
environmentally relevant activities of the entire Union.
1.6 Collaboration between Division (VI) and COCI was initiated
and a closer collaboration with the CHEMRAWN Committee is considered.
1.7 Selective response to outside needs (e.g., environmental preservation
and capacity building in areas of transition) will be adopted
in collaboration with WHO, UNEP, ICSU and UNESCO, among others.
1.8 Division (VI) is interested in various kinds of outreach programs
and symposia/workshops with regional organizations.
2. IUPAC Missions.
2.1 IUPAC has to respond to worldwide undertakings for successful
global sustainable development, by accelerating fundamental chemical
research in innovative areas and by encouraging new processes
to reduce energy and raw material use.
2.2 Critical evaluation of the activities of IUPAC by the NAOs
and national chemical organizations will be beneficial for the
future of the Union.
II.3.5 Chemistry and Human Health Division
(VII)
Division (VII) is in its initial formative stages. The Division
had already established collaboration with WHO. Establishing ties
with such an external important international body contributes
significantly to the mission-oriented goals of the Division.
In September 1996 the Division President was asked to advance
proposals regarding the structure and function of the Division,
pertaining to the integration of internal activities, eliminating
internal duplication, the optimization of resources and the activities
of Titular Members. In response the DP (see Addendum of VP-DPs
correspondence) addressed a Mission statement, activities of the
DP and a proposal for the Division Committee structure.
(1) Mission Statement for Division of Chemistry and Human
Health (DCHH).
DCHH will act as a focus of activities concerning the relationships
of chemistry to human health within the Union. It will collaborate
with other Divisions whose responsibilities concern health issues;
in particular, the Division of Chemistry and the Environment.
DCHH will be responsible for the Union's collaboration with governmental
and non-governmental agencies (UNESCO, WHO, etc) in health-related
matters, through the provision of advice and expertise and participation
in joint activities.
DCHH will represent the special needs of Clinical and Medicinal
Chemistry within the Union in areas such as nomenclature, quantities
and units, education and training, through collaboration with
IDCNS and CTC, and by establishing and managing Commissions and
Working Parties to deal with specific Clinical and Medicinal Chemistry
issues.
(2) Suggested Division Committee Structure for the Division
of Chemistry and Human Health.
Division President
Vice-president (President elect)
Secretary
Committee members-at-large (chosen to represent the special
needs of disciplines of Clinical and Medicinal Chemistry, while
assisting in furthering Divisional objectives).
Committee functions:
To further the mission of the Division by:
-
identifying issues to be addressed;
- setting up and managing Commissions and Working Parties to
address these issues;
-
managing activity-related budgets.
It is recommended to approve the mission statement and the Division
Committee structure for the Division of Chemistry and Human Health.
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