RSC and Shell Global Solutions support chemistry in India

Yesterday the Royal Society of Chemistry and Shell Global Solutions launched the 'Chemistry Leadership Network India'.

This initiative will build on the networks the RSC already has, both in India and worldwide, and will enable contact between the top chemical scientists in India and the UK. 

Shell Global Solutions, one of Shell's technology focussed organizations, is supporting the programme, which will be used to develop the network over the coming five years. 

It will be the first port of call for Indian chemists for contacts and information on funding, publishing and career opportunities. It will also provide the structure to form collaborations, within and between academia and industry.

Dr Richard Pike, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said in his opening speech at the launch: "Our relationship with the Chemical Research Society of India and other leading national chemical societies places us collectively at the heart of a global network of 300,000 chemical scientists.

"Such partnerships with international organisations and companies support knowledge sharing and best practice around the world."

Greg Lewin, President of Shell Global Solutions, followed with a speech highlighting the fundamental role of energy in fuelling our future economy. He stated that, by and large, this energy will still come from fossil fuels bringing environmental challenges, which scientists will need to deal with in the future. 

Lewin said: "There is a huge potential for a global think tank to come up with ideas and help tackle the global challenges we face. I believe networks like this can really start to enrich and bring forward the different solutions."

He continued: "Let's get out there and network, and convince more people this is the way of the future".