The Hague, Netherlands’ World Forum was a more than appropriate venue to allow the representatives of chemistry, and adjacent fields – such as medical, educational, industry and more – to meet, network, broaden horizons and exchange knowledge. As a sponsor of IUPAC|CHAINS2023, EuChemS set up a booth at the congress’ exhibition hall. Amidst such outstanding guests, there were ample opportunities to engage with a wide variety of people, conduct informal conversations, promote European chemistry, encourage collaboration within and beyond the continent, encourage participation in scientific policy and more.
Congress participants, alongside partaking in the exciting scientific programme and poster sessions, had the chance to meet the EuChemS Secretariat. Secretary General Nineta Hrastelj, Science Communication and Policy Officer Marton Kottmayer and Administrative Assistant Claudia J. Hernando met with enthusiastic young chemists, various high profile experts and were delighted to talk with anyone curious about EuChemS. IUPAC President Javier Garcia-Martínez, RSC President and CEO Helen Pain and Gill Reid were amongst the visitors of the booth. In addition, science historian, Past-Chair of EuChemS’ Working party on the History of Chemistry, and co-author of the book “Women in their element” Brigitte van Tiggelen, as well as president of EuChemS’ new member, the Lithuanian Chemical Society Almira Ramanavičienė spent time at the EuChemS kiosk, amongst many others. In addition to meetings at the booth, EuChemS also met with the American Chemical Society to sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
The conference also enabled attendees to visit some of the highlights of The Hague, the “city of peace”. One of such landmarks was the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ ChemTech Centre – which Science Communication and Policy Officer Marton Kottmayer visited, and connected with representatives of the organisation. The Centre was funded by organisations committed to a future free of chemical weapons – including EuChemS.
Preceding the Congress, the European Young Chemist’s Network (EYCN) held its annual Delegate Assembly, during which the organisation’s new Chair and Board was elected.
