Exploring the groundbreaking discoveries and international collaborations at the IUPAC 2015 World Chemistry Congress in Busan, South Korea
In August 2015, the vibrant port city of Busan, South Korea, became the epicenter of global chemistry as it hosted the 48th IUPAC General Assembly and 45th World Chemistry Congress. This prestigious event brought together more than 3,500 participants from across the world, including Nobel laureates, pioneering researchers, and future scientific leaders 6 .
The convergence of brilliant minds in Busan demonstrated chemistry's critical role in building a better future while celebrating remarkable achievements, including the confirmation of new elements and the recognition of outstanding women in science.
This article explores the key scientific breakthroughs, discussions, and initiatives that made IUPAC 2015 a pivotal moment in modern chemistry. We'll examine the confirmation of new elements that expanded the periodic table, highlight the cutting-edge research presented, and celebrate the scientists driving innovation through international collaboration.
Plenary Lectures
Symposia
Poster Presentations
The Congress featured an impressive lineup of nine plenary lecturers, including three Nobel Laureates who shared groundbreaking research and visionary perspectives 6 .
2010 Nobel Prize winner from the University of Manchester presented on two-dimensional crystals and their potential for creating complex heterostructures 6 .
IUPAC Vice President addressed chemistry's role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 6 .
2010 Nobel Laureate discussed cross-coupling reactions of organoboranes—transformative methods for carbon-carbon bonding 6 .
The Congress provided an extensive platform for sharing new research through 116 symposia featuring 481 invited speakers, 114 oral presenters, and more than 2,000 poster presentations 6 .
| Presentation Type | Number | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Plenary Lectures | 9 | Featured Nobel Laureates and field leaders |
| Invited Speakers | 481 | Showcased cutting-edge research |
| Oral Presentations | 114 | Highlighted emerging work |
| Poster Presentations | >2,000 | Facilitated direct researcher interaction |
| Symposia | 116 | Covered specialized chemical topics |
One of the most exciting announcements surrounding the Congress was the official confirmation of four new elements—113, 115, 117, and 118—though the formal naming would be announced the following year . These discoveries filled the previously empty seventh row of the periodic table, marking a historic achievement in chemistry and physics.
RIKEN (Japan)
JINR (Russia), ORNL, LLNL (USA)
JINR (Russia), ORNL, LLNL (USA)
JINR (Russia), LLNL (USA)
The synthesis of these superheavy elements required remarkable international collaboration and sophisticated technology:
Discovered by the RIKEN institute in Japan using a complex process involving the irradiation of bismuth-209 with zinc-70 ions . This marked the first element discovered in an Asian country.
Synthesized through collaboration between the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the USA .
Created by the Dubna and Lawrence Livermore teams using similar methods with californium-249 targets .
| Element Number | Proposed Name | Symbol | Discovery Collaboration | Namesake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 113 | Nihonium | Nh | RIKEN (Japan) | Japan (in Japanese) |
| 115 | Moscovium | Mc | JINR (Russia), ORNL, LLNL (USA) | Moscow region, Russia |
| 117 | Tennessine | Ts | JINR (Russia), ORNL, LLNL (USA) | Tennessee, USA |
| 118 | Oganesson | Og | JINR (Russia), LLNL (USA) | Prof. Yuri Oganessian |
A highlight of the Congress was the recognition of twelve exceptional scientists through the 2015 Distinguished Women in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering awards 6 . This awards program, initiated during the 2011 International Year of Chemistry, aims to promote the work of women chemists and chemical engineers worldwide 2 .
RIKEN and University of Tokyo, Japan
Recognized for surface science and catalysis research.
Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
Honored for her work in environmental chemistry.
MIT, USA
Acknowledged for her innovations in polymer science and chemical vapor deposition.
University of Auckland, New Zealand
Celebrated for natural product synthesis.
The research presented at IUPAC 2015 relied on sophisticated technologies that push the boundaries of scientific exploration. Here are some essential tools that enabled these chemical advances:
These powerful machines accelerate charged atoms to extreme velocities, enabling them to fuse with target nuclei to create new elements . They function as ultra-precise "element factories" for synthesizing superheavy atoms.
Instruments like the DGFRS at Dubna separate newly formed superheavy atoms from the intense background of other nuclear reaction products .
Advanced mass spectrometry techniques enable precise identification and characterization of chemical compounds 3 . These systems can detect incredibly small quantities of material.
Modern chemical synthesis increasingly employs automated systems for high-throughput experimentation, allowing researchers to rapidly test countless reaction conditions.
| Methodology | Primary Function | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Ion Acceleration | Fusing atomic nuclei | Creating new elements |
| Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry | Separating and identifying compounds | Analyzing complex mixtures |
| X-ray Crystallography | Determining molecular structures | Characterizing new materials |
| Polymerase Chain Reaction | Amplifying DNA sequences | Biochemical analysis |
| Spectroscopy Techniques (NMR, IR, UV-Vis) | Probing molecular structure and interactions | Determining chemical composition and dynamics |
The Congress exemplified how modern scientific progress relies on international cooperation that transcends political boundaries. The discovery of the four new elements alone involved researchers from Japan, Russia, and the United States working across continents .
Collaborations across Japan, Russia, and the United States
Platform for NGOs and young scientists
Engaging the next generation of chemists
This collaborative spirit was further reinforced through the World Chemistry Leadership Meeting, which provided a platform for representatives from non-governmental organizations and young scientists to discuss issues of global concern 6 .
The Young Observers program engaged emerging scientists in discussions about IUPAC's future direction, ensuring that the next generation would have a voice in shaping global chemical initiatives 6 .
The 2015 IUPAC World Chemistry Congress in Busan left a significant legacy that continues to influence the field. The confirmation of new elements expanded fundamental knowledge of matter, while the recognition of women scientists promoted diversity in the chemical community. The Congress strengthened international networks that continue to drive collaborative research addressing global needs.
New elements filled the seventh row of the periodic table
Recognition of women scientists promoted inclusion
Strengthened international research collaborations
The enthusiasm and collaboration displayed in Busan demonstrated that through "smart chemistry," scientists worldwide can indeed work toward a "better life" for all—expanding knowledge, fostering innovation, and building connections that transcend borders to address humanity's shared challenges.