The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) is a global, non governmental scientific organization with over 100 years of history. It brings together more than 50 national chemistry organizations and societies to build international consensus on scientific issues related to chemistry. IUPAC has helped create the common language of chemistry by developing standardized chemical nomenclature, terminology, and data representation used around the world.
This work is done through the contributions of a global network of volunteer experts. Together, they design and carry out scientific projects that result in written reports. These outputs are the result of a multiyear, collaborative process. Once completed, they are released for rigorous peer and public review to gather input from the global community before formal adoption by IUPAC’s member societies and publication in IUPAC’s journal, Pure and Applied Chemistry. The rigorous public review process ensures transparency and produces unbiased scientific output, free from undue political, economic, and other influences.
IUPAC scientific work is managed through its Project System. Chemists from anywhere in the world can submit proposals, which are then carefully peer-reviewed by IUPAC and external experts. Approved projects are assigned to international task groups, who carry out the technical work over one to five years.
Examples of IUPAC projects include:
- Standardizing chemical names and terms
- Naming new elements of the periodic table
- Creating guidelines for data presentation and formats
- Agreeing on consistent ways to measure values like pH
- Developing validated analytical methods
- Compiling and evaluating scientific data such as reaction rates and thermodynamic values
- Developing digital standards for chemistry
- Outreach activities
- Online training programs
- Poster and video competitions
Projects typically produce a Technical Report or a Recommendation. Some also generate workshops, web resources, or educational materials.
The process is guided by IUPAC’s Inter-divisional Committee on Terminology, Nomenclature and Symbols (ICTNS). Once a draft recommendation is complete, it is released publicly as a Provisional Recommendation. For four months, anyone from science or industry can provide feedback. After final revisions, the recommendation is officially published in IUPAC’s journal Pure and Applied Chemistry or one of its reference books. These publications are made freely available to the community.
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