In December 2005 at the International Chemical
Congress of Pacific Basin Societies (Pacifichem 2005), James Hutchison and
Colin Scholes discussed the idea of a scientist version of the many ‘sans
frontières’ organisations in existence. This discussion took place in the
tranquil surrounds of the Sheraton Waikiki, Hawaii, looking towards Diamond Head. Initially the ideal was for an organisation
that encompassed all of the sciences. However, after some searching, they
came across ‘Chemists without Borders’, which had been started in the USA in
2004. Being chemists themselves, they decided to form the Australian
chapter of the organisation.
The idea of an Australian ‘Chemists without
Borders’ had plenty of interested. As a result, initially much
consultation took place with various leading scientists in Australia.
Of particular benefit in the beginning was the many discussions had with
both academics and students at the Australia Colloid and Surface Student
Conference, Beechworth 2006. For the next few months ideas and possible
programs were discussed, but it took the addition of Glenna Drisko to get
the organisation moving. Chemists without Borders Australia officially
came into existence in June 2006, with the official launch presided over
by Greg Hunt from Waterkeepers Australia.
As a young organisation, Chemists without Borders
Australia had strong links to Chemists without Borders in the USA, and
for that we are thankful, both for the resources and advice they provided.
As we grew, both in both membership and projects undertaken, we found the
name ‘Chemists’ was restrictive in promoting ourselves to the wider
scientific community. This generated much discussion in the organisation
and it was decided in April 2007 to look at changing our name. The idea
was to become ‘Scientists without Borders Australia’, and with some
consultation it was decided that it would be best to follow convention,
linking the organisation with the sans frontières ‘brand’. In June 2007,
Scientifiques Sans Frontières Australia
(Scientists without Borders Australia) came into existence, with our
official launch held at the University
of Melbourne July
2007.
To the future, Scientifques Sans Frontières is a
young organisation made up of a range of Australian scientists dedicated
to achieving the aims set out in our Charter. To achieve these goals we
are always looking for dedicated people to join our team, to assist us
where they feel appropriate and there is need. We are also welcome to
suggestions and interest from other organisations that wish to work
together to make the future better and brighter.
