Dates: July 2018
Hosts: Royal Australian Chemical Institute International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry
Co-Chair: Professor Martina Stenzel
Venue: Cairns Convention Centre
Delegate Numbers: 800
Following a successful bid presented in 2013, the Cairns Convention Centre proudly welcomed MACRO 2018 and it’s 800 delegates in July. The Centre started working with the client, Professor Martina Stenzel from the University of NSW in 2012, to present Cairns as the ideal destination for the World Congress.
World-leaders in polymer research, academics, students, industrial professionals from universities, research organisations and the polymer industry from around the world, came together for a week of science and camaraderie. They shared knowledge at the interface between polymer science and other disciplines that address a range of important issues faced by our modern society such as medicine, innovation in industry, energy and the environment.
The extensive scientific programme showcased just how far multidisciplinary polymer science has come and how collaborations across fields are the best approach to tackle today’s challenges. Five plenary presentations, 150 invited symposia presentations, a trade exhibition, poster sessions and two amazing social events made up the week-long programme.
The reputation of MACRO events goes further than great science; they are also famous for their warm and convivial atmosphere. In 2018 the social program highlighted Australian heritage and the region of Cairns. A welcome reception with Australian animals and indigenous performers was held on the Outdoor Plaza of the Cairns Convention Centre, with the gala dinner in the Centre’s Great Hall.
An extensive range of pre and post conference tours included the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage Rainforest, Australian wildlife, adventure and cultural experiences which were also enjoyed by delegates, their accompanying partners and family.
Professor Stenzel, Co-Chair, MACRO 2018, said, “Cairns was chosen for the Congress as it is a cost-effective destination with excellent airline access and outstanding recreational activities to attract maximum delegate numbers. Cairn’s excellent conference facilities led to the World Polymer Congress MACRO 2018, being a huge success.”
