Competitors answers questions during the the Chemistry Presentation Competition in Shanghai Nov 18, 2011.

SHANGHAI – Can you imagine the life without chemistry? How to use chemistry for human's well-being?

Unveristy students from China's Yangtze River Delta gathered here at GE China Technology Center (CTC) on Nov 18, competing on topics how chemistry affects our daily life. Tongji university won the first prize finnally, and their students will also get intern and training opportunities at GE, and as well as GE plants visit.

During the International Year of Chemistry 2011 (IYC2011) celebrations，the CTC joined hands with the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) to launch the Chemistry Presentation Competition among China's university students, so as to enhance general public awareness of chemistry knowledge in our daily life.

The participants from Fudan University, Nanjing University, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Tongji University, East China University of Science and Technology, and Suzhou University, made presentations theming on "chemistry and health", "chemistry and dieting", "chemistry and environment" and "chemistry and energy", clarifying what role the chemistry plays in the daily life and putting forward relevant solutions.

Chemistry has played an important role in morden technology development. GE's many research has close connection with chemistry, such as clean coal technology, water treatment, thin film solar, etc. The CTC scientists also set up technical community focusing on chemistry and material science. This event could enhance the interaction between university students and CTC scientists, boosting bilateral R&D inspiration.

CTC President Xiangli Chen said, "CTC is very pleased to hold this competion with the RSC during the IYC 2011 celebrations. Chemistry educaton played an important role in solving global climate change, sustainable clean water supply, etc. I believe that the wonderful performance of the students will give much inspiration to GE chemistry scientist in reseaching more technologies."

Energy shortage has become one of the key global challenges. The participatnts from Zhejiang University take nano-crystal as an instance, illustrating how chemistry can ease the energy shortage by invention of new materials.

Food security is now big concern among general public. The participants from the Shanghai Jiaotong University discussed the function and mechanism of the food additives from three different sections as food preservation, food taste and visual improvements, and analyzed future development of innovative food additives.

Nanotechnology has gradually become a popular topic, but what's the connection with the health? The pariticipants from the Suzhou University evaluated the role of nanoparticles in fighting disease.

Sarah Thomas, the International Program Manager of the RSC Asia, said, "Human kind cannot be without the chemistry. Without chemistry, you would have no colors in your clothing, no medicine when you are ill……Therefore, during the IYC 2011 celebrations, it is very important to hold his event with the CTC to promote the chemistry knowledge amont general public."