International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements 2019

A yearlong initiative to raise awareness of chemistry and its applications for sustainable development

The Periodic Table of Chemical Elements is one of the most significant achievements in science, capturing the essence not only of chemistry, but also of physics and biology. It is a unique tool, enabling scientist to predict the appearance and properties of matter on the Earth and in the rest of the Universe. The Periodic Table of Chemical Elements is more than just a guide or catalogue of the entire known atoms in the universe; it is essentially a window on the universe, helping to expand our understanding of the world around us. The year 2019 marks the 150th anniversary of its creation by Russian scientist Dmitry Ivanovich Mendeleev.

Full programme: English | Français (pdf)

The Year was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (A/RES/72/228 (link is external)) and approved by UNESCO’s General Conference (39C/ decision 60).