ASSOCIATION NEWS//
CONGRESS SUPPORT REMAINS A PRIORITY FOR COSCHEM In 2017, Coschem generated surplus funds. As a result, the society has been in the position to offer sponsorships to members who are interested in presenting papers at IFSCC Congresses. By Abby Vorster
R
oy Gardiner, treasurer of the
Since childhood, it’s been Sowman’s
It was a truly enlightening experience
Society of Cosmetic Chemists
dream to explore the field of cosmetic
for Sowman to present her poster and
(Coschem), explains:
science.
attend a few congress sessions. ‘I am
‘For South Africa this has many benefits.
‘Being given the opportunity to travel to
thankful for Coschem’s generosity
The most important and defined in our
Munich to attend the 30th IFSCC Congress
and for being given this valuable
constitution is to provide members
has greatly enhanced my knowledge and
opportunity,’ she comments. ‘I am
with an opportunity to learn on an
defined my ability to achieve my goals in
now much more aware of all the costs
international platform.’
cosmetic chemistry.’
involved and how to be more prepared
This not only expands members’
She believes cosmetic chemistry has
horizons but also contributes to improving
a positive impact on people’s lives. ‘It
Coschem’s ranking, which is crucial in the
provides me with an opportunity to
bidding process to host an IFSCC Congress.
express my creativity through science,
The society is bidding to host the 2025
which is made even more attractive by
congress in South Africa. Only societies
the prospect of becoming an inventor
ranked in the federation’s top 15 are
and entrepreneur.’
for the next venture.’ •
DON’T MISS OUT, ATTEND THE AGM!
permitted to host these congresses.
CLOSING GAPS IN SOUTH AFRICA
COSCHEM will hold its annual general meeting at
Coschem must meet certain criteria. Most
After attending the IFSCC congress,
17h00 on 7 February 2019 at the society’s premises
critical is our membership, because the
which took place from 18 to 21
in Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg. All members
society is ranked according to its total
September, Sowman realised just how
are encouraged to attend to find out more about
number of members. Second are our
far global developments in sunscreens
the financial status of the society, its various
scientific points. These are awarded to
have advanced.
committees, their contributions to Coschem’s
‘For South Africa to be eligible,
Coschem for papers presented by our
continued success and how you can also get
‘Japan already has products that
members at IFSCC Congresses, either as
work to tackle the entire broad-
involved. There are a few seats available for new
podium or poster presentations,’ he adds.
spectrum,’ she explains, saying she
council members to join the Coschem Council
plans to build on her master’s research
in 2019. If you are a voting member (i.e. a full
using the knowledge gained in Munich.
member), you can nominate yourself to be elected
A CHARMING SCIENCE When the call for papers was issued
onto the council. Nomination forms are available
‘By attending some of the
for the 30 IFSCC Congress in Munich,
presentations, I realised how many gaps
from Coschem, simply send an e-mail to bridget@
Serina Sowman submitted a paper on The
there are in South Africa. I’ve come up
coschem.co.za if you’re interested.
Potential of Plant Polyphenols as Notable
with lots of ideas which I hope to put
Photostable Sunscreen Actives.
to good use when I start working in the
th
Sowman is a second year student in
industry. Of particular interest, L’Oréal
the Coschem Diploma correspondence
Paris presented the results of a study
course and a masters student at the
on South African Ethic hair, the ways
University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her paper
it differs to American Ethic hair and
was accepted by the IFSCC as a poster
how the company plans to tackle the
presentation, but the university wasn’t able
market and release new products.’
2
to provide funding, which would prevent her from attending. When Coschem learned Sowman was considering withdrawing her paper, the executive committee agreed to sponsor her. Gardiner explains: ‘We are passionate about improving the standard of education within the
1
cosmetic field. The interest South African universities show in various topics related to our industry is also very rewarding for Coschem.’
1: Sowman’s poster presentation focused on the photostability of sunscreens with natural polyphenols 2: An IFSCC Congress delegate talks to Sowman about her research
P C Review | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 |
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