UNESCO announced 2011 to be the International Year of Chemistry, IYC2011, in partnership with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Prof. Bilal R. Kaafarani was selected by IUPAC to be the 2011 International Year of Chemistry representative in Lebanon. Prof. Kaafarani (bilal.kaafarani@aub.edu.lb; www.bilalkaafarani.com) will coordinate the activities at AUB and in Lebanon in celebration of the achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the well-being of the entire humankind.