Bayer stockholders; Award nominations; Waste management policy; Drug addiction seminar; 2004 Analytica-Anacon exhibition

  • Stockholders at Bayer voted to approve the spin-off of Lanxess, which currently operates as a sub-group. This leaves Lanxess free to be placed on the stock market as an independent company. It undertakes most of Bayer’s chemical activities and approximately one third of its polymer business. Shares in Lanxess are expected to be listed on the stock market early in 2005. The move will allow Bayer to concentrate on healthcare, nutrition and high-tech materials.
  • Nominations are being invited for the 2005 Paul Karrer Gold Medallion award in chemistry. Established in 1959, the award recognises outstanding contributions from scientists involved in active research. Nominations must be received by 15 January 2005. The award recipient will have the opportunity to present their work at the University of Zurich later in the year. See www.oci.unizh.ch/diversa/karrer for further details.
  • David Wallace, vice president of the Royal Society, has called for independent scientific and technical expertise to be used effectively in developing a sound policy for radioactive waste management. The move comes in response to publication of the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management report from the House of Lords’ science and technology committee. Wallace says this is needed to gain public confidence.
  • The science behind drug addiction and promising treatments was presented at a seminar organised recently by the RSC. New therapies, including vaccines, were discussed along with research into understanding the chemistry, biology and psychology of addiction.
  • The 2004 Analytica-Anacon exhibition held in Mumbai, India, attracted 45 per cent more international exhibitors than last year’s event. The venue was fully booked with 87 exhibitors from 11 countries - including the UK, US, Japan and Singapore - demonstrating their analysis equipment.