On October 3rd, 2011, Canada Post issued a new stamp commemorating the International Year of Chemistry. The opening ceremonies of the IYC took place in Paris, France in January and events continue until the end of 2011. According to the committee, the purpose is to increase the public’s appreciation of chemistry and how it has shaped our lives. For example, thanks to chemistry we have televisions, plastics and medical devices such as X-ray and MRI units. Basic chemistry can also be an important field of study for a good cook!
Stated very simply, chemistry is the study of matter and its different reactions. This new stamp features Canadian chemist Dr. John C. Polanyi. Polanyi was a co-recipient of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in chemical kinetics. He has worked at the National Research Council in Ottawa and is now a professor at the University of Toronto.