ITS PURPOSE - (NETWORKING AND INFORMATION)

IMPCA

is committed to the goals of communication and provision of information. Communication comes through its recognition of the value of properly themed and prepared Conferences. These are held in Europe, SE Asia and China. They are embedded in the idea of regional conferences but in each case succed in attracting global participation covering all major industrial areas.

The European Mini-Conference (so called because of its 24-hour duration)  started in June 1989 with some thirty-five participants. Held annually in June it now attracts an audience of over 150. The location rotates from NW Europe to other regions. The last  Mini-Conference was held in Prague and the next wi be held in Hamburg on 10-11 June, 2010 (for more details go to Next   Conference).

Singapore was the venue for the first Asian Conference in 1989 with well over two hundred delegates. It now has changed from a biennial to an annual event. The 12th in the series will be held in Singapore.                                                                                                                                           

In the past, Latin-American conferences were held in the Caribbean region, but because of the lack of  Latin American delegates this conference has not been held since 2002 (Puerto Rico). IMPCA is regularly reviewing the need and feasability for a Latin American conference.    

In all cases the subject matter is designed to be topical, whilst taking into account  future trends and implications in a variety of methanol related issues. Regional aspects are examined first as such, followed by the wider global context.

The Association's other two main objectives are directed towards the provision of information in areas where other sources may be scarce and towards University education. The first may be achieved through the expert work of sub committees. University sponsored studies, such as the reports prepared by Louvain University on Formaldehyde in Wood Products, and by Imperial College, London on Methanol as a Fuel for Fuel Cell Vehicles, with comparisons. Interduct (University Delft) has carried out a study in the Alternative Methanol Production Chains, which has been finalised in 2003.

The second objective is directed towards a greater understanding of the gas based industries in general and methanol in particular by Universities and their students. It is achieved by means of student bursaries awarded in three regional areas - Europe (annually), Far East and Latin America/Caribbean (biennially). Recipients are required to give a short paper, towards the end of the academic year in which the bursary has been awarded, to the relevant Conference and also within the University itself. Other forms of bursary are under consideration by the Board.