Morning keynote: Public image of chemistry

CHED 29

Attila E. Pavlath, aep22@acs.org, Western Regional Research Center, USDA, 800 Buchanan St, Albany, CA 94710
Our everyday life would be drastically different without the many benefits chemistry bestowed on us. Nevertheless, the media vilifies chemistry with big headlines frequently on unfounded information, and when proven wrong, the correction is not forthcoming or hidden in obscure places. This presentation will describe what has chemistry done for us. It will give a realistic picture of the benefits and problems. Since the negative attitude by the media is not limited to any geographical location, we must address the problem by worldwide unified efforts. The lecture will describe a plan that can and should be done everywhere to assure that chemistry will get the proper recognition for its achievements.