Alex meets with the UK’s number one manufacturing exporter

Local MP Alex Cunningham attended the industry launch of the UK programme for the United Nations International Year of Chemistry at the Houses of Parliament, sponsored by chemical company Johnson Matthey.

Commenting at the event Alex said “I welcome the aim of the International Year of Chemistry to inspire people to take more interest in the sciences and to encourage pupils to study science and technical subjects at school and beyond. The UK has a wonderful heritage in its science and engineering skills base and we need to work hard to ensure we have the right skills for building its future growth and prosperity”

Speaking at the event, Chemical Industries Association Chief Executive Steve Elliott said, “I am delighted at the cross party support for the International Year of Chemistry, the chemical industry which is the UK’s number one manufacturing exporter is just one of the sectors that relies on highly skilled scientists and engineers, I hope the series of events we have planned for the IYC helps achieve recognition for the contribution science makes to everyday life and inspire a new generation of students to take a fresh look at science and engineering.”

At the event, major chemical company INEOS were proud to sponsor a competition for school pupils. The winners of the competition will be the students who come up with the most original ideas about how science will change their lives in 2050. For competition details see www.cia.org.uk.

Joydip Sanyal, Chemical Industry Young Ambassador 2011 said “this competition is a great opportunity for school pupils to think about why science is important to their lives, now and in the future and hopefully inspire some of them to take up science and engineering”.

Click here for the International Year of Chemistry poster.