The SCS Spring Meeting 2026, took place on April 23, 2026 at the Chemistry Department of the University of Fribourg as a one-day symposium focussing on “Catalyzing Change: Sustainability in Chemistry with Green Approaches and Innovative Synthesis.” The event successfully brought together leading international and Swiss researchers to discuss how chemistry can address sustainability challenges through innovative molecular and materials design.
Prof. Ali Coskun, local host and chair of the event and Prof. Katharina Fromm, Director of the University of Fribourg opened the symposium with a welcome address. The scientific program started with the keynote lectures from nobel prize laureate from 1987, Pro. Jean-Marie Lehn, Strasburg University, Prof. Eva Hevia, University of Bern, Prof. Miriam Unterlass, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Prof. Bettina Lotsch, Max Planck Institute for Solid State Chemistry, Stuttgart, Prof. Francesco Stellacci, EPFL Lausanne, and Prof. Jeremiah Johnson, MIT, completed the program with their lectures and and lively discussions afterward. The talks covered a wide spectrum of modern chemistry, including supramolecular and adaptive systems, sustainable catalysis, hydrothermal synthesis, advanced materials, and polymer deconstruction. This diversity highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability research, bridging fundamental chemistry with applied sciences.
Before the lunch break the Swiss Green & Sustainable Chemistry Award lecture 2026 by Prof. Sachin Handa of the University of Missouri (USA) provided insights into strategies for new paradigms in the field of efficient and environmentally conscious synthesis. Dr. Edouard Godineau from Syngenta handed over the certificate as representative of the program sponsor.
In addition, the poster session and informal discussions during breaks and the closing aperitif provided valuable networking opportunities, particularly for early-career researchers and students. The best poster prizes were given to Eunsong Jung, ETH Zurich and Leonie Braks, University of Firbourg. Congratulations again for your fantastic posters.
The event attracted a balanced audience of academics, industry scientists, and students, fostering dialogue across sectors. The conference once again provided an inspiring platform to foster collaboration and encourage innovative thinking toward a more sustainable future in the chemical industry.
Many thanks again to Prof. Ali Coskun and Maja Ivanovic for the support to organize this wonderful event.
Links
Website of the SCS Spring Meeting 2026
Photos of the event
David Spichiger, SCS
24.04.2026