Chemists Without Borders (Australia) works with communities to improve their quality of life through education and the implementation of sustainable scientific programs. We have a vision for every individual and community to have adequate access to the scientific resources, knowledge and technology necessary to meet their self identified needs. Fundamental to this vision is our conviction that each individual has the ability and the responsibility to make a positive impact in the world. Chemists Without Borders also aims to be a forum for engaging the Australian scientific community in these matters.

Chemists Without Borders has been in existence in the USA since 2004, and currently has programs on arsenic removal from drinking water in Bangladesh and distribution of AIDS medication in South Africa. In early 2006 a group of chemists in Melbourne decided that there should be a similar organisation here, and so the Australian chapter was born. We are currently based at the University of Melbourne, made up mainly of PhD students, undergraduates and recent graduates.

There are two key areas in which we are currently involved:

Education activities focus on the issues of knowledge transfer and appropriate technology from our members to the broader community. This is based on our belief that quality scientific teaching is crucial to achieving a positive and meaningful impact with individuals and communities.

Community based programs, where we work in partnership with other organisations to assist them in gaining access to the knowledge, resources and appropriate technologies, which they need to improve their livelihoods.

Some of the programs we are currently running are:

•Collection of scientific textbooks, both secondary and tertiary, for distribution to scientific and educational institutions in developing countries.

•Tutoring students from underprivileged backgrounds in science.

•Assisting Year 9 and 10 students on the issues of water and soil quality, including testing and rehabilitation.

•Professional development of scientific students to assist their transition to the workforce.

We hope to engage the ideas and skills from the entire Australian chemistry community. If you also believe that science should provide a better future for everyone, everywhere, please contact us at colinscholes@chemistswithoutborders.org.

Colin Scholes, President
Glenna Drisko, Education Coordinator
Felix Meiser, Secretary