On 7 June, the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) has awarded the prestigious 2023 Historical Landmarks Award to the Theodor von Grotthuss Laboratory, located in Gedučiai near Žeimelis, Lithuania.
This distinction highlights the enduring influence of Theodor von Grotthuss, a 19th-century scientist whose theoretical insights shaped modern chemistry. In 1805, he introduced the first coherent explanation of electrolysis, later known as the Grotthuss mechanism. More than a decade later, in 1817, he proposed what would become the foundational law of photochemistry. These two contributions remain integral to our understanding of how electricity and light interact with matter, setting the stage for later innovations in fields ranging from materials science to energy technology.
To commemorate the award, a formal plaque unveiling took place in Vienybės Square, Žeimelis. Opening remarks were delivered by Saulius Margis, Mayor of Pakruojis District; Floris Rutjes, Vice-President of EuChemS; Almira Ramanavičienė, Chair of the Lithuanian Chemical Society; and Professor Richard Compton of the University of Oxford.
EuChemS extended its thanks to the Lithuanian Chemical Society and local partners for organising the celebration and ensuring the preservation of Grotthuss’s legacy. The recognition of the laboratory site affirms its role as a cornerstone in the evolution of chemical science, where early theoretical brilliance continues to echo through modern research.
