Brussels News Update, January 2020

Hello and welcome to the first Brussels News Updates of 2020, the monthly EuChemS newsletter keeping you up to date on the latest chemistry related science-education-policy news, upcoming events and awards.

This new year has begun under the sign of change, also for research in Europe. The ERC has welcomed its new President and Croatia took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union. In the UK, Brexit threatens the membership of the country to the Erasmus+ and the Horizon Europe programmes. On another note, 2020 also marks the 50 years anniversary of EuChemS. Different initiatives and events will be held to celebrate those 50 years of Chemistry in Europe. You are all kindly invited to join our 2020 celebrations.

Before reading on, we wish everyone a happy New Year, from all of us at EuChemS.

You can read the full newsletter online here.

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European Highlights, Research, Innovation, Education, Entrepreneurship

EuChemS is 50 years old
Active since 1970, EuChemS evolved over time. The organisation was established on 3 July 1970 in Prague by 17 Member Societies from both East and West Europe, under the initial name of FECS (Federation of European Chemical Societies). In 2004, FECS decided to adopt EuCheMS, the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences designation, with its headquarters in Brussels. In 2018, a new name, acronym and logo was adopted: EuChemS, the European Chemical Society.
For the full story, click here.

New at EuChemS Executive Board
On 1 January 2020, Professor Floris Rutjes (Royal Netherlands Chemical Society) took up the position of Vice-President of EuChemS and Dr Ioannis Katsoyiannis (Association of Greek Chemists) and Professor Rinaldo Poli (French Chemical Society) joined as new elected members.
The three new members of EuChemS Executive Board who were elected at the General Assembly in Bucharest in October last year are warmly welcome.
Read the full article here.

Croatia takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union
On 1 January 2020, Croatia has officially taken over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from Finland. “A Europe that develops, a Europe that connects, a Europe that protects, an influential Europe’’, this is how Croatia wants to shape Europe for the first semester of 2020. Albeit positioning Europe as a global leader will be a priority for Croatia during its 6-months presidency, the country will give top priority to science and sustainable development.
Read more here.

Impact of Brexit on research in Europe
Brexit is not without consequences on European research. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Education, Research, Innovation and Youth, declared that the UK entry into Horizon Europe programme will be the same as non-EU countries. Currently, UK is the second-biggest beneficiary of funding from Horizon 2020.
Read more about it here.

European Green Deal
The European Green Deal is taking shape. During her first speech as the new Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed her determination to implement the European Green Deal, achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions on the continent by 2050.
Read our full debrief here.

ERC welcome its new President
Professor Mauro Ferrari took up the presidency from Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, whose mandate lasted from January 2014 to December 2019. After his election in May 14, 2019, Professor Mauro Ferrari put forward his multidisciplinary background, a precious asset that will help him build strong relationships with scientists from the many disciplines the ERC covers.  The new ERC President has several tasks ahead of him, among them is  the implementation of the programme Horizon Europe. M. Ferrari’s term will last until December 31, 2023.
Read more there.

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Consultations & Roadmap

Roadmap for 'Climate Law''
Deadline: 6 February 2020
You can take a look at it here.

Public consultation on 'Harmful Chemicals - endocrine disruptors'
Deadline: 9 March 2020
You can take a look at it here.

European Food Safety Authority consultations
Several consultations put forward by the European Food Safety Authority are currently open.
You can take a look at them here.

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Fundings, Nominations & Awards

EuChemS Chemistry Congress fellowship scheme
The aim of this grant is to support early career researchers (bachelor, masters and PhD student) actively attending the EuChemS Chemistry Congresses.
Deadline for submitting applications: 31 May 2020.
Click here to submit your application.

ERC consolidator grants open call
Deadline: 04 February 2020
Website: https://bit.ly/2LZnhAO

 

Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) open call
Deadline: 28 April 2020
Website: http://bit.ly/2Kxavc8 

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EuChemS Events

Executive Board meeting
17 – 18 February 2020 
The Hague, The Netherlands
Website: www.euchems.eu

Chemistry Conference for Young Scientists 2020
19 – 21 February 2020 Blankenberge, Belgium 
Website: http://bit.ly/2MyB5Sk

Food Contamination and Traceability Summit
26 – 27 May 2020
Erding, Germany
Website: https://bit.ly/2sv8Huh

Other Events

All-Atlantic Ocean Research Forum
6 – 7 February 2020
Brussels, Belgium
Website: https://bit.ly/2NoKLjz

OpenEARTH conference
12 – 14 February 2020
Thessaloniki, Greece
Website: https://bit.ly/2uOHtQr

ENRICH Entrepreneurial Skills Development Program (ESDP)
19 – 24 March 2020
Philadelphia, USA
Website: https://bit.ly/2RVNap3

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Read the full BNU newsletter here

EuChemS aisbl - Rue du Trône 62, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; www.euchems.eu. Produced for EuChemS by Nineta Hrastelj, Alex Schiphorst and Marta Kucza. This newsletter has been carefully prepared and only contains correct information to the best of EuChemS´ knowledge, however this does not exclude the possibility of existence of incorrect information. EuChemS cannot be liable for the use or misuse of any information, whether correct or incorrect, present at this newsletter. Intellectual property belongs to its rightful owners, always explicitly traceable on each article. Compilation Copyright © 2019 EuChemS

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David Spichiger, SCS
27.01.2020