91AV

The Commonwealth is a uniquely diverse group of nations with shared values and a powerful voice. It represents all corners of the globe with a population of 2.5 billion and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. It is home to 12% of the world’s researchers and accounts for around 10% of global research and development expenditure. With 1 in 3 people aged between 15 and 29 living in Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth is set to play an ever more important role in the world’s future – a future that will present many challenges where science can identify solutions.

Bringing together chemists from across the Commonwealth under the banner of equality for all, the Commonwealth 91AV Congress will promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthen scientific capacity, inspire and elevate the role of the chemical sciences to society and policy makers, and celebrate achievements in chemistry. Representatives from chemical societies across the Commonwealth will join high level stakeholders from academia, industry and government in South Africa.

The Congress will have a strong focus on early career chemists across the Commonwealth, with the aim of furthering their career development, enabling joint research and education activities, and providing networking opportunities to share research outputs.

 In addition to career development and networking opportunities for early career chemists, the programme includes scientific sessions featuring eminent researchers in the following themes:

• Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): ​Topics include biodiversity, natural products, food chemistry and security, agriculture, medicinal chemistry, drug discovery, and good health and well-being
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): ​Topics include sustainable energy solutions, new materials, biofuels, green chemistry, and catalysis
• Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Climate Action (SDG 13): ​Topics include water treatment and supply, tackling pollution and contamination, and environmental chemistry

The programme will also bring together high profile researchers, policymakers, and industrialists who can demonstrate the value and role of Commonwealth chemists in three panel discussions:

• Transformation of the Commonwealth Chemical Industry (SDG 9): ​Perspectives on the changing global landscape and challenges faced by chemical industry
• Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): Identifying, sharing and providing an understanding of the issues and barriers to equality and diversity in the chemical sciences
• Machine Learning and AI in the Chemical Sciences: Raising awareness for how ML & AI are revolutionising the chemical sciences and addressing all UN SDGs

Additionally, the programme will feature a session especially for early career chemists which is being coordinated by the Commonwealth 91AV Early Career Network (ECN).

The 91AV is coordinating the nomination of Early Career Chemists from the UK to attend the 3rd Commonwealth 91AV Congress on behalf of Commonwealth 91AV. Successful candidates will receive funding to attend the Congress in South Africa in May 2025 and present a flash presentation and poster on their research, related to one of the three scientific themes. For further information and to submit an application, download the application form and visit the event website.