A man has been proud of its centuries lasting chemically motivated activities that have been significantly affecting almost all areas of his life. Chemistry today achieved great success and makes our lives richer and more beautiful.
    The 63rd UN General Assembly in December 2008 approved the year 2011 to be the International Year of Chemistry – IYC on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the International Association of Chemical Societies – IACS (a few years later, it was transformed to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). The main theme of IYC 2011 is “Chemistry – Our Life, Our Future” and is focused on the achievements of chemistry and its contribution to well-functioning human society. Numerous campaigns of these organizations in 2011 should gain public recognition and understanding of chemistry, increase young people's interest in science and promote the optimistic understanding of the creative future of chemistry. The official launch of IYC 2011 will be held on January 27, 2011 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
    Stamp edition to mark the International Year of Chemistry in 2011 was initiated the Slovak Chemical Society at the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Chemical industry in Slovakia is particularly focused on petrochemistry, manufacture of pharmaceuticals and products from macromolecular compounds.
    Issue of “International Year of Chemistry 2011” is based on the environmentally motivated idea. We are alive because of the ingenious natural chemical reaction – photosynthesis, which ensures the existence of life on earth. Its exceptional performance and waste-free process makes photosynthesis an example, which shows the direction of chemically motivated human activity. The basis of the stamp design is made up of two important chemical compounds, water and carbon dioxide, depicted according to the calotte model, which interact in photosynthesis. Colouring of the stamp reflects dual-wise two basic stages of photosynthesis: light – in the form of sunlight and dark – in the form of blue colour symbolizing water. Sunlight and chlorophyll are the catalyst of photosynthesis, which results in oxygen and glucose, two molecules of life, having an essential role in our lives. The green leaf appears on the first day cover (FDC), representing chlorophyll, along with formulas of entering and generated chemical compounds and completes the picture of this unique photochemical reaction. C60 fullerene is pictured on the FDC stamp. It is one of several allotropic forms of carbon. Fullerenes are of significant importance and they are used in nanotechnology, which is one of the most attractive technologies of chemistry today.
       Ľubomír Floch