The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) is the world authority on chemical nomenclature, terminology (including the naming of new elements in the periodic table),  standardized methods for measurement, atomic weights and many other critically-evaluated data.

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It develops and maintains recommendations that create a common language for the global chemistry community.

The scientific work of IUPAC is conducted largely through a formal Project System in which proposals from chemists around the world are peer-reviewed and, if meritorious, are approved and supported. In addition, IUPAC has many other wide-ranging activities that ultimately impact both the chemical profession and the worldwide community as a whole.