CONCLUDING REMARKS
Chemistry historically emerged and developed as an interdisciplinary
scientific field, with a rather subjective definition of its borders.
Paraphrasing the definition of Linus Pauling of the chemical bond
"whatever is convenient to the chemist to define as a bond", chemistry
can be defined as a discipline encompassing all areas which are
of interest for chemists and where molecular science makes significant
contributions. The rich and diverse world of modern chemistry
encompasses remarkable intellectual accomplishments, scientific
creativity and originality and the generation of new knowledge
in the realm of academic research, in conjunction with high-quality,
well-focused, mission-oriented activities in the realm of industrial
research. The quality, relevance and remarkable scope of modern
chemistry should preclude any "identity crises in chemistry",
sometimes manifested in the chemistry science and education community
regarding the future of chemistry as a central scientific discipline.
In this broad context IUPAC serves as the international, professional,
authoritative, independent and objective voice on the global issues
of chemistry.
The responsibility for the conduct of the worldwide activities
of IUPAC rests on the Council, the Statutory bodies and on the
Officers of the Union. The Officers of the Union, the Division
Presidents, and the Chairmen of Commissions and Committees, among
others, perform voluntary, international public service on behalf
of the world chemistry community. The resources of the Union constitute
international public funds which should be allocated with great
caution to optimize the impact of IUPAC's activities on the advancement
of international chemistry and on the service of chemistry to
society and to world needs.
We addressed a central question whether the structure of IUPAC
is adequate to fulfill the Union's goals and future mission. Problems
with which science and society are faced today are complex and
require a reassessment of scientific policy considerations, and
an implementation of evolutionary changes in the function and
structure of the Union. IUPAC serves the international scientific
endeavour in the dual function of a basic science and a mission-oriented
Union. The Union has a unique position for future potential contributions
to the central interdisciplinary scientific discipline of chemistry,
strengthening international chemistry, striving towards inspiring
high standards of excellence and relevance in academic and industrial
research and promoting the service of chemistry to society and
to global issues, shaping IUPAC's activities towards the 21st
century.