Title: Commonwealth Chemistry – One Community, one voice, catalysing equality for all

Abstract

In 2018, representatives from 30 Commonwealth chemists and chemical society members came together to discuss how to inspire, celebrate and elevate the role and practice of the chemical sciences for the benefit of Commonwealth nations and their people.

Two years later, Commonwealth Chemistry was formally established as an organisation.

This presentation will introduce Commonwealth Chemistry, what it has been doing in since its establishment in 2020, and why it is of value to Australian chemists.

It will also outline the findings of its report A sustainable chemistry workforce for a sustainable future – unlocking the potential of early career chemists across the Commonwealth.

Bio

Dr Vicki Gardiner FRACI CChem CompIEAust EngExec a chartered chemist with experience in education, business development, organisational excellence, research and development and stakeholder engagement. She has held senior management positions in academia, government, SME and industry not-for-profits and has held a number of board positions. This includes being the Immediate Past National President of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and is currently the Executive Board Chair and President of Commonwealth Chemistry which is an international Federation of Commonwealth Chemical Science Societies.

Over the past 20 years, Vicki has designed and managed government funded research, capital and skill development projects worth over $1 million. She has over 40 peer reviewed and industry journal articles, and two patents. Her day job is the Australian Computer Society Canberra Manager.