SCNAT Newsletter 01/2026

IUPAC announces establishment of European-based secretariat in Malaga and Rome

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of negotiations with both the City and University of Malaga, Spain, and the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) in Rome, Italy, leading to the establishment of a European-based Secretariat.

This follows an open international call for proposals, which attracted several generous and high-quality responses, demonstrating strong interest from multiple countries in hosting this international organization. The complementary bids from Malaga and Rome provide new opportunities and open a new chapter in the Union’s development through the creation of additional operational capacity. This milestone marks the relocation of IUPAC’s Secretariat from North Carolina, where it has operated continuously since 1997.

The decision reflects IUPAC’s commitment to ensuring that its operations evolve alongside its scientific mission. The new arrangements will provide the Union with strengthened institutional support and expanded opportunities to implement the scientific restructuring currently under consideration. Central to this transition is enhanced professional staff support for IUPAC’s extensive volunteer community, whose dedication underpins the Union’s work. Both CNR Italy and the University and City of Malaga are offering office space, seconded staff, and general corporate support.

Read the full article on www.iupac.org

For further information, contact Dr. Fabienne Meyers, Executive Director, IUPAC, at  

David Spichiger, SCS
05.02.2026

NCCR Catalysis Young Talents Fellowships: Call for nominations

Chemistry and catalysis impact our daily lives, yet not everyone has benefitted from equal opportunities to integrate into the catalysis and sustainable chemistry research communities. With the Young Talents Fellowship, we aim to identify and promote Master's students with an exceptional academic record or potential, especially those facing barriers within current structures.

The fellowship provides successful applicants with the opportunity to conduct their Master's thesis project in one or more research groups associated with NCCR Catalysis, and to establish their connections and ideas in a multidisciplinary, cross-fertilizing environment of research excellence. You can find the fellowship description and information on how to apply here and impressions from previous cohorts here; the application deadline is 30 April 2026.

Links:

• NCCR Young Talents Fellowship Website
• Website NCCR Catalysis

David Spichiger, SCS
03.02.2026

SCS Foundation welcomes its new director: Dr. Franziska Schumacher

It's our great pleasure to welcome Dr. Franziska Schumacher as the designated Director of the SCS Foundation She started in her new role on January 1, 2026 and needs to be formally approved by the Board of the Foundation in its next meeting in April 2026.

Throughout her professional career, Franziska Schumacher has always been dedicated to training young adults and promoting higher education, first as a teacher and university lecturer, then as a faculty and teaching course administrator. With a strong academic background and extensive leadership experience in higher education, Franziska is the perfect fit to further develop the SCS Foundation. 

Website of the SCS Foundation: https://scs-foundation.ch 

The SCS Foundation's activities include

• The Alfred Werner Excellence Scholarship Program
• The Best Presentation Award Program at the Fall Meeting of the Swiss Chemical Society honoring the authors of the most outstanding scientific talks or posters.
• The SCS Mentoring Program to prepare its young members for their professional career.

To ensure a smooth transition, Hans Peter Lüthi, who's been the director since 2017, will remain with us until end of March. We already take this opportunity to warmly thank Hans Peter for his work for the Foundation, and for his outstanding dedication for the whole chemistry community in general, be it in Switzerland or internationally.

David Spichiger, SCS
21.01.2026