European Highlights, Research, Innovation, Education, Entrepreneurship
The first 50 years of Chemistry in Europe
In this special edition of our newsletter Chemistry in Europe (CiE) 2020-4, we have highlighted many milestones and unforgettable moments that brought the European Chemical Society where it is today. Furthermore, we have collected memories and assembled stories from the people who shaped the path from 1970 onward.
In this special edition, you will revel in engaging articles from 22 authors, across 68 pages, including 49 photographs, and 6 visuals!
Read more about it here.
Budget breakdown of Horizon Europe
After lengthy talks, European leaders have succeeded in reaching an agreement on Horizon Europe. The total and final budget for the next seven-year framework programme for research and innovation is €95.517 billion (current prices). In comparison with Horizon 2020, it represents a budget increase of 30%. Concerning Erasmus+, they agreed on expending the budget to €26 billion – almost doubled in comparison with the €14.7 billion allocated to Erasmus+ for Horizon 2020.
Read our full debrief here.
#EUvsVirus: that's a wrap for 2020!
The #EUvsVirus journey continues with the #EUvsVirus Launchathon! It took place online on 10 and 11 December 2020. This event is a follow up action to the #EUvsVirus Hackathon and Matchathon launched earlier in 2020 and supported by the European Innovation Council.
The #EUvsVirus series of online events aims to bring together individuals from various sectors in finding innovative solutions to address the current pandemic crisis. Some of the 120 winners that were selected for their impactful solutions and products are now market ready start-ups. Therefore, the Launchathon aimed to help them to get in touch with corporate partners, public procurers, and investors.
Read the full article here.
Early career Chemists at the 12th European Innovation Summit
During the 12th European Innovation Summit, the European Young Chemists’ Network (EYCN) of the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) co-organised the session ‘The Role of Early-Career Professionals in Driving Sustainable Innovation’. The session was hosted by MEP Victor Negrescu. This interactive session brought together speakers from various sectors, such as IUPAC, the European Commission, University, and industry. Speakers provided their inputs as early-career professionals on innovative technologies relevant to the European Green Deal and global long-term sustainability. They also discussed the involvement of early researchers in this process.
Critical Raw Materials: new EU measures for sustainable batteries
On 10 December 2020, the European Commission announced in a press release its proposition to modernise EU legislation on batteries. With new mandatory requirements for all batteries placed on the EU market, the European Commission would like to establish a sustainable batteries value chain in the EU by restricting the use of hazardous substances. Furthermore, these new measures will also focus on recycling targets to prevent the waste of critical raw materials used in batteries.
Read our full debrief here.
ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) on Cadmium exposure
The European Chemical Society attended the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) online meetings of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in November and December 2020.
Many topics were discussed, including the Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL) assessments. Special attention was given to the first draft opinion and the report on the scientific evaluation of limits values for Cadmium and its inorganic compounds at the workplace. It takes into account the cumulative Cadmium exposure from all sources (inhalation, food, hand to mouth, dermal) and discusses how to protect workers, also after their occupational career.
Read our full debrief here.
EuChemS featured in the first issue of AsiaChem!
EuChemS had the honour to contribute to the inaugural issue of AsiaChem with an article on the long-standing EuChemS-FACS collaboration. In this contribution, EuChemS President, Pilar Goya, EuChemS Vice-President, Floris Rutjes and EuChemS Past-President, David Cole-Hamilton, congratulate the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies (FACS) on the 40th anniversary of its foundation and on the introduction of this new Chemistry magazine.
Consultations & Roadmap
European Commission Public Consultations and Roadmaps
A number of consultations and roadmaps put forward by the European Commission are currently open:
- ‘Fluorinated greenhouse gases – review of EU rules (2015-20)’
Public Consultation
Deadline: 29 December 2020 - ‘Reducing packaging waste – review of rules’
Public Consultation
Deadline: 6 January 2021 - CO2 emissions for cars and vans – revision of performance standards
Public Consultation
Deadline: 5 February 2021 - EU renewable energy rules – review
Public Consultation
Deadline: 9 February 2021 - EU Action Plan Towards a Zero Pollution Ambition for air, water and soil
Public Consultation
Deadline: 10 February 2021
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) public consultations
A number of consultations put forward by ECHA are currently open.
You can take a look at them here.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) public consultations
A number of consultations put forward by EFSA are currently open.
You can take a look at them here.
Fundings, Nominations & Awards
Calls open for 4 EuChemS Awards
- European Chemistry Gold Medal
- EuChemS Lecture Award
- EuChemS Award for Service
- EuChemS Historical Landmarks
Deadline: 31 December 2020
International Award Committee for the EuChemS Lecture Award (IACL)
The call for the International Award Committee for the EuChemS Lecture Award (IACL) is now open.
You can submit a nomination here (please scroll down to the Submission form “Jury Nomination for the International Award Committee for the EuChemS Lecture Award (IACL) 2020”).
European Sustainable Chemistry Award (ESCA)
EuChemS recognises the achievements of individual scientists and teams through the European Sustainable Chemistry Award (ESCA). The European Sustainable Chemistry Award is intended to be a prestigious scheme which will raise the profile of sustainable chemistry and be a spur to innovation and competitiveness.
Deadline: 1 February 2021
Submit your nomination here.
European Researchers’ Night – Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (MSCA)
In 2020, the European Researchers’ Night will take place on Friday, 27 November. You can apply to get funding to organise an event, promote research, and channel its impact to improve citizens’ daily lives.
Deadline: 12 January 2021
You can have a look at it here.
Review of Online Databases on Chemical Analysis Methods for the Identification of New Products and Materials (PEN-CP-2020-ER4)
Deadline for proposal submission: 19 January 2021
You can have a look at it here.
EMBL Fellowship Programme for Research Infrastructure Scientists
Deadline: 31 January 2021
You can have a look at it here.
EuChemS Events
In the current environment and status of COVID-19, some events recognised by EuChemS are being postponed or cancelled.
EuChemS Events calendar is being updated on a regular basis.
If you planned to attend an event, you can check more about it here.
1st Greenering International Conference
15 – 17 February 2021
Lisbon, Portugal
Visite the website!
EuChemS Executive Board meeting
18 February 2021
Online event
Visit the website!
International School of Process Chemistry - ISPROCHEM
9-15 May 2021
Gargnano, Italy
Visit the website!
OTHER EVENTS
Virutal Conference Advances in Chemical Biology
26-28 January 2021
Online
Visit the website!
Global Women's Breakfast -IUPAC
9 February 2021
Multiple locations
Visit the website!
Read the full BNU newsletter here
EuChemS aisbl - Rue du Trône 62, 1050, Brussels, Belgium; www.euchems.eu. Produced for EuChemS by Nineta Hrastelj, Laura Jousset and Jelena Lazić. 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 © 2020 EuChemS
Céline Wittwer, SCS
19.10.2020