Designating the week of October 17 through 23, 2021, as National Chemistry Week.

Designating the week of October 17 through 23, 2021, as National Chemistry Week. Whereas chemistry is the science of the basic units of matter and, consequently, plays a role in every aspect of human life; Whereas chemistry has broad applications, including food science, soil science, water quality, energy, sustainability, medicine, and electronics; Whereas the science of chemistry is vital to improving the quality of human life and plays an important role in addressing critical global challenges; Whereas innovations in chemistry continue to spur economic growth and job creation and have applications for a wide range of industries; Whereas the practitioners of chemistry are catalysts of positive change in their communities and the world; Whereas National Chemistry Week is part of a broader vision to improve human life through chemistry and to advance the chemistry enterprise; Whereas the purpose of National Chemistry Week is to reach the public with educational messages about chemistry in order to foster greater understanding of and appreciation for the applications and benefits of chemistry; Whereas National Chemistry Week strives to stimulate the interest of young people, including women and underrepresented groups, in enthusiastically studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and in pursuing science-related careers that lead to innovations and major scientific breakthroughs; Whereas National Chemistry Week signifies the collaborative nature of science and promotes partnership between scientific societies, academia, industry, and the public; Whereas National Chemistry Week highlights many of the everyday uses of chemistry, including in food, dyes and pigments, plastics, soaps and detergents, health products, and energy technologies; Whereas the theme of the 32nd annual National Chemistry Week is Fast or Slow . . . Chemistry Makes It Go!; and Whereas students who participate in National Chemistry Week deserve recognition and support for their efforts: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week beginning on October 17, 2021, as National Chemistry Week (2) supports the goals and welcomes the participants of the 32nd annual National Chemistry Week; (3) recognizes the need to promote the fields of science, including chemistry, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to encourage youth, including from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in these fields; and (4) commends (A) the American Chemicals Society (ACS) and the partners of that society for seeking opportunities to engage with the public and for organizing and convening events and activities surrounding National Chemistry Week each year; (B) the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) for leading collaborative engagement in National Chemistry Week; (C) the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) for leading collaborative engagement in National Chemistry Week; and (D) the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) for leading collaborative engagement in National Chemistry Week.

Summary: This resolution designates the week beginning on October 17, 2021, as National Chemistry Week. The resolution also recognizes the need to promote the fields of science, including chemistry, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and to encourage youth, including from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in these fields.