EuChemS joins the American Chemical Society’s 150th anniversary celebrations in Chicago

EuChemS Secretary General Nineta Hrastelj represented the European chemical sciences community at the American Chemical Society’s 150th anniversary celebrations, held during ACS Fall 2026 in Chicago, United States, from 23 to 27 August 2026.

Marking a century and a half of service to chemistry and society, the anniversary programme brought together scientific leaders and representatives of chemical societies from around the world. The celebrations featured an inspiring combination of scientific lectures, panel discussions, awards and receptions, providing opportunities to reflect on the achievements of chemistry and to consider the discipline’s future role in addressing global challenges.

At the invitation of ACS Chief Executive Officer Albert G. Horvath, Nineta Hrastelj participated in a panel discussion on the future of chemistry alongside leaders representing different regions and areas of the chemical sciences and beyond. Among the European participants were Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and Tom Kinzel, Chief Executive Officer of the German Chemical Society.

The discussion provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the future development of chemistry, the responsibilities of scientific organisations and the importance of international cooperation. EuChemS’ participation underscored its commitment to strengthening collaboration across borders and ensuring that the European chemical sciences community contributes actively to global scientific dialogue.

During the anniversary events, invited guests were welcomed by ACS Board Chair Wayne E. Jones Jr., ACS President Rigoberto Hernandez and ACS Chief Executive Officer Albert G. Horvath. At the official dinner of the ACS Board of Directors, Nineta Hrastelj conveyed EuChemS’ congratulations and best wishes to Wayne E. Jones Jr. on behalf of the European chemical sciences community.

A major scientific highlight was the ACS150 JACS Symposium Series: “Chemistry is Everything”, which brought together four Nobel Laureates: Professor Carolyn R. Bertozzi, who spoke on bioorthogonal chemistry; Professor Stefan W. Hell, who addressed super-resolution fluorescence microscopy; Professor Jack W. Szostak, who explored the origins of genetic information; and Professor M. Stanley Whittingham, who discussed the future of lithium-battery chemistry.

Their contributions demonstrated the remarkable breadth of modern chemistry and its fundamental importance to health, energy, technology and our understanding of life.

EuChemS warmly congratulates the American Chemical Society on its 150th anniversary and wishes ACS continued success in advancing chemistry and supporting the global chemical sciences community for many years to come.