Message from the Conference
Chair
On behalf of the
Conference Organizing Committee, I welcome you to the 91st Canadian Chemistry Conference and
Exhibition. I would like to extend a special greeting
to our international participants and to our younger colleagues, some of whom will be attending their first
national scientific meeting.
The 2008 CSC
Conference has the theme “Resource-Full Chemistry,” which is particularly appropriate for this
meeting, partly because a significant portion of Alberta’s economy is resource-based, but mainly
because of the large amount of creative scientific talent that has come together to exchange ideas. This
conference, with more than 1400 presentations in over 42 symposia, will offer tremendous opportunities for
the participants to expand their scientific understanding. We are especially pleased to have Professor
Christopher T. Walsh of Harvard University as our opening Plenary Lecturer. His talk will be followed by the
welcome Reception and Mixer. We hope you will find that all the lectures and posters are a great resource for
your own work and knowledge. The Exhibition will provide insights into the latest products and developments
from a number of companies and organizations, and I encourage you to visit and discuss with their
representatives.
Edmonton and the
University of Alberta previously hosted the 1992 CSC Conference, which was a great success. It is
particularly appropriate that 16 years later, the CSC Conference is held here again, as the University of
Alberta is celebrating its 100th anniversary. We have been reminded by the university’s
current president, Dr. Indira Samarasekera, that a key vision of both Henry Marshall Tory (the
university’s founder) and Alexander Rutherford (the province's first premier) called for "the uplifting
of the whole people." We hope that during this conference you will find the new scientific concepts, as well
as the personal interactions with colleagues, exciting and uplifting.
I wish to
acknowledge the generous support of our many institutional and private sector sponsors, whose financial help
not only makes the conference possible, but also contributes to a socially and scientifically rewarding
experience. I particularly want to thank the Conference Organizing Committee, the Division Program
representatives and the symposium organizers for their effort and dedication in creating an excellent
technical program. All of us are also especially grateful to the staff of the National Office and our many
volunteers for their valuable contributions and tireless work.
I wish you an
enjoyable conference!
John C. Vederas,
Conference Chair
Message from the President of the
Canadian Society for Chemistry
On behalf of the Board of
Directors of the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) and our dedicated staff at the National Office, I am
delighted to welcome you to the 91st Canadian Chemistry Conference and Exhibition (CSC2008) in Edmonton,
Alberta. I extend a special warm welcome to our international participants and guests, and to our younger
chemists, the future of our profession. The conference will provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase the
talents of Canada’s chemists.
Sixteen years have passed since the CSC held its annual conference on the banks
of the North Saskatchewan River. In the meantime, Alberta’s capital city has grown by more than 200,000
residents, the expansion of the oil and gas industry has exceeded all predictions, and a new generation of
chemists has assumed leadership roles in academia, government, and industry. In 1992, nearly 900 papers were
presented at a highly successful conference, while about 1,400 papers in all branches of chemistry will be
presented this year. This significant increase attests to the vibrancy of chemistry in Canada, especially in
the Edmonton area.
The theme of CSC2008, “Resource-Full Chemistry,” is appropriate
given that Alberta is rich in natural resources, and Edmonton is a major petrochemical centre. In addition to
a very strong technical program in the traditional fields, the program will include a two-day program on
industrial chemistry that will address the business of chemistry, professionalism in chemistry, and among
other topics, job searches. A special session, Chemistry in the Oil Sands, has been organized by Murray Gray,
FCIC, CIC Vice-Chair, and will be supported by new CIC Energy Division.
CSC2008, like its predecessors, would not be possible without the enthusiasm and
tireless efforts of the local Organizing Committee. I want to extend my sincere thanks to John C. Vederas,
FCIC, and his team of volunteers for the tremendous amount of work they have accomplished to put the
conference together. I would also like to thank our sponsors and exhibitors for their support. And finally,
my thanks go to our staff for their commitment to making the CSC conference a success and the annual
highlight of the Society.
I wish everyone a most successful conference.
Russell Boyd, FCIC
Message from the University of
Alberta President
I am delighted to welcome you to Edmonton and the 2008
Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) Annual Conference sponsored by the
University of Alberta. This will be the first time in 16
years that the CSC Conference has been held in Edmonton, and we are very pleased to host its participants
from around the globe.
For 100 years, the University of Alberta has been
pursuing excellence in teaching and research for the benefit of Alberta, Canada, and the world. This vision
was set for the university by the first president, Henry Marshall Tory, who passionately believed that the
modern university should advance the interests of “the whole people,” building knowledge related
as “closely as possible to the life of the people.”
The Canadian Society for Chemistry Annual Conference
exemplifies Tory’s vision. As in the past, we continue to be committed to promoting discovery and
learning with international leaders in the various fields in open discussion and a collegial
environment. Conferences such as this enrich discovery and innovation, contributing to the latest
developments in chemistry for the benefit of humanity and our global communities.
Scientific discoveries arise from a combination of
creativity, innovation and teamwork. We hope you find that the next few days stimulate and advance your
thinking and research, and that you will have the opportunity to initiate and renew ties with fellow
delegates.
Thank you for attending the 2008 CSC Conference. I also
thank the organizers and sponsors for this event for their hard work and support. .
Best wishes to each of you for a challenging conference
and I hope you all enjoy your visit and the beauty and culture of Edmonton, Alberta!
Yours sincerely,
Indira V. Samarasekera, O.C.
President and Vice-Chancellor
Message from the Minister of Advanced
Education and Technology, Doug Horner
Greetings and
welcome to all delegates at the Canadian Society for Chemistry conference. I think it's appropriate the
conference is back in Alberta
and in the capital city of Edmonton. Our province's largest industries -- energy, renewable resources,
and agriculture -- all depend on a constant stream of new knowledge to maintain sustainability and global
competitiveness. The field of chemistry is of course a primary source of that knowledge.
Premier Stelmach
has said the 21st century is Alberta's century. This is why Alberta is investing in creating a
knowledge-based economy. Through policies, legislation, and support, Alberta will integrate its pure
and applied research systems, provide support for emerging technologies and reward
entrepreneurship.
It is a great time
to look to Alberta as a place to pursue education, a career, or business opportunities in science and
technology. Thanks to the Canadian Society for Chemistry, and to all the conference sponsors.
Enjoy the conference.
Doug Horner,
Minister
Message from His Worship, Mayor
Stephen Mandel
On behalf of City
Council and the people of Edmonton, it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all
delegates
attending the annual conference
of the Canadian Society for Chemistry.
With an impressive
lineup of speakers, this conference will provide you with valuable opportunities to exchange ideas and
information, and to network with your peers. The City of Edmonton is proud to be the host city for this
important gathering.
You have a full
agenda ahead of you, but I do hope you will have an opportunity to visit some of Edmonton’s highlights.
From a stroll through the magnificent North Saskatchewan River Valley to world-class shopping and fine
dining, there is a lot for you to see and do.
Best wishes for a
successful conference, and for a pleasant stay in Edmonton – Alberta’s Capital City.
Yours
truly,
Stephen Mandel,
Mayor
