The International Union of Pure an Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) (IPA: /aɪjuːpæk/ or ay-yoo-pec) is an international non-governmental organization established in 1919 devoted to the advancement of chemistry. It has as its members national chemistry societies. It is most well known as the recognized authority in developing standards for the naming of the chemical elements and their compounds, through its Interdivisional Committee on Nomenclature and Symbols (IUPAC nomenclature). It is a member of the International Council for Science (ICSU).