Looking back at the past six years in the EuChemS Executive Board, in particular on the years that I served as President (2021-2023), I feel foremost very proud of what we as EuChemS community have achieved. My presidency began in the middle of COVID-19, a disruptive pandemic that we had never seen before, which obviously had a big impact on EuChemS by restricting personal interactions and turning meetings into virtual events.
EuChemS, however, swiftly adapted to the digital environment. A series of online webinars were launched, inspired by the EuChemS Periodic Table, beginning with carbon and lithium, to draw attention to sustainability and resource challenges. Between lockdowns we also celebrated milestones such as the Historical Landmark Award at Almadén, Spain, and we strengthened our role in European policy through participation in the High-Level Roundtable on the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. These activities also confirmed the relevance of EuChemS and the role of chemistry in shaping a sustainable future.
In 2022, we steadily resumed in-person meetings and collaborations. The optimism of returning to a normal life was overshadowed though by the tragic war in Ukraine, which to date has not yet come to an end. That same year EuChemS celebrated the return of real interactions through the 8th EuChemS Chemistry Congress in Lisbon, which turned out to be a great success showcasing scientific excellence and the unbroken spirit of the EuChemS community. It was also in that meeting that a majority of the members strongly voted for the first time in favor of a stronger industrial involvement in the EuChemS community.
In 2023, we introduced a sustainability-focused edition of the EuChemS Periodic Table and adopted hybrid formats for events, such as a policy workshop on phosphorus held partially at the European Parliament. Importantly, the EuChemS Magazine was launched, to better communicate to our members and to strengthen our identity. Another important step was the inclusion of industrial members in the Executive Board, expanding representation beyond academia, as was decided in Lisbon.
There is much more to mention of course, but when reflecting on the past years, what immediately comes to mind are the many interactions that I had with fellow board members, colleagues and friends from all across Europe to jointly work to strengthen the European chemistry community. The dedication of the Secretariat, in particular Nineta Hrastelj, and the enthusiasm of our member societies have been instrumental in the progress that was made. It was a real pleasure to contribute to EuChemS and I am stepping back from the Executive Board knowing that EuChemS is in very good hands under the leadership of Angela Agostiano. I am convinced that EuChemS will remain a unifying factor in advancing chemistry for the benefit of Europe and beyond.
Floris Rutjes, Vice-President
