The chemistry community of Europe filled the Dublin Congress Centre, an outstanding venue in the docks of Dublin, to attend the 9th EuChemS Chemistry Congress. Co-organised by the European Chemical Society and the Institute of Chemistry Ireland, the event could boast of its scientific excellence, provided by the top-quality invited speakers – amongst them two Nobel-prize recipients, Frances H. Arnold and David W.C. MacMillan.
The programme, built by the scientific committee, and on feedback by EuChemS’ Professional Networks, was packed with talks, workshops and plenaries covering all disciplines of chemistry and more – including a day devoted to chemistry-industry collaborations, and numerous sessions by the EuChemS Young Chemists’ Network. Last but not least, numerous awards, recognising different angles of excellent chemistry were given at the congress- you can learn more about them here.
Alongside excellent science, attendees also had the chance to enjoy outstanding social programmes. Receptions were held by chemical societies and related organisations from all across the globe, highlighting the truly international nature of the congress. The congress dinner was held at a unique location, reflecting the pride of the host country: at the Croke Park Gaelic football and hurling stadium, where participants could also experience not only Irish cuisine, but also a piece of Irish culture.
Of course, no ECC is complete without the exhibition – and the EuChemS booth. The congress centre’s exhibition hall hosted the booths of numerous sponsors promoting different angles of excellent chemistry. Situated just next to the collection of superb scientific posters, one could find the booth of EuChemS, talk to us, and gather their EuChemS goodies. The representatives of the secretariat at this booth were delighted to see numerous new, as well as returning visitors. Amongst many others, we welcomed EuChemS President Angela Agostiano, and Vice-President Floris Rutjes, as well as former President, and first woman President of EuChemS, Pilar Goya. In addition, high profile visitors from our member societies and global partner organisations, including but not limited to the Royal Chemical Society, the German Chemical Society and the American Chemical Society came by the booth, alongside representatives of many of our Professional Networks, amongst many other visitors.
EuChemS is extremely satisfied with this excellent congress, and with the great chemistry it represented – and looks towards the future with high hopes. We are confident that in two years time, a similarly excellent ECC will be held in Antwerp, Belgium. The presentation held by Thomas Vranken at the closing ceremony, on behalf of the Flemish Royal Chemical Society, organisers of ECC10, certainly set the expectations high. The website of the ECC10 is already open – and if you want to be amongst the first ones who receives new information on this upcoming congress, we invite you to subscribe.
EuChemS would like to kindly thank all who attended ECC9, as well as to extend its thanks to everyone involved in its organisation, especially Institute of Chemistry Ireland President Pat Guiry and Immediate Past President Celine Marmion.
