After the dislocation of the IUPAC secretariat from the USA to Europe and the new offices in Rome and Malaga in January 2026 the first IUPAC Secretariat Retreat took place on 1–2 October 2026 at the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Office in Rome. Colleagues from the two locations had the opportunity to meet in person, exchange ideas, and begin building a shared approach to working together as one team. It provided space for colleagues to get to know one another and strengthen the personal connections that will create an effective collaboration across the two offices.
The retreat was also an opportunity for the new Secretariat team to connect with IUPAC’s leadership and gain a deeper understanding of the Union’s structure, activities, and international community. Fabienne Meyers, Executive Director, and Zoltán Mester, IUPAC Secretary General, were present in Rome and helped coordinate the meeting, sharing their knowledge of IUPAC and providing valuable insight into the organisation’s work, priorities, and global network. Their involvement helped give the new team a broader perspective on the role of the Secretariat and the importance of working closely with IUPAC’s leadership and volunteer community.
In January 2026, IUPAC announced the establishment of its new European-based Secretariat, following an international call for proposals that marked the relocation of the Secretariat from Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, where it had operated continuously since 1997. The new Secretariat structure is supported by two host institutions with strong connections to science and international collaboration. In Málaga, the University of Málaga and the City of Málaga are supporting the Secretariat and its activities. In Rome, the CNR provides the institutional setting for the Italian office. IUPAC has emphasized that both hosts are providing office space, seconded staff, and corporate support as part of the new arrangements.
Read the full article on: https://iupac.org/first-iupac-secretariat-retreat-brings-malaga-and-rome-teams-together/
David Spichiger, SCS
28.10.2026