euchems_admin

1 European Highlights, BNU December 2019, Brussels News Updates

Graphene Flagship announced the launch of 11 new projects

Graphene Flagship is one of the European Commission’s research programmes funded on public-private partnerships. Alongside with leading European industries, they announced they will co-fund 11 new projects, which represents an investment of €92 million. The ‘Spearhead Projects’ will promote commercial uses of graphene by developing prototypes for solar panels, water infiltration systems and other graphene- enabled products. Among the main objectives, Graphene Flagship initiatives ‘’include achieving good health and wellbeing, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, and sustainable cities and communities, as well as improvements to industry innovation and infrastructure in Europe’’. These graphene- enabled prototypes should by commercialised by the end of 2023.

Learn more about Graphene Flagship projects here.

1782
1 European Highlights, BNU December 2019, Brussels News Updates

Horizon Europe: towards the implementation of the programme

On November 26, the EU released the final report on the Horizon Europe implementation co-design exercise with the results of the online consultation that were collected between July 31 and October 4. The report also considers the conclusions drawn from the European Research and Innovation Days.

Read the report here.

After the release of this report, the European University Association (EUA) issued a statement on the implementation of the Model Grant Agreement in the framework of the future Horizon Europe programme. With this statement, the EUA draws attention towards cost reporting, especially the calculation of personnel cost. The Association is calling for a revision of the accounting practices by moving towards a ‘corporate Model Grant Agreement’. The new method should follow Horizon 2020 rules regarding the reporting of personnel cost but should also accept national reporting and audit regulations in order to facilitate the process and reduce the risk of errors.

You can read EUA statement here.

Meanwhile, the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) announced on December 4 that it will invest €500 million in 2020. This investment will be spread among its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) across Europe. Climate, digitisation, food, health, sustainable energy, advanced and sustainable materials, manufacturing and urban mobility are the areas concerned by the EIT Governing Board decision.

Find out more here.

Following this announcement, EU member states have agreed on EIT regulations to improve geographical balance of funding. A regional innovation scheme will be introduced for Horizon Europe programme. A balanced geographical distribution aims to avoid concentration on funding with the same partners, therefore increasing openness and boosting the capacity of low-performing countries.

However, negotiations are continuing over the 7-year budget of Horizon Europe. As a consequence, the finalisation of the detailed plan for Horizon Europe could be delayed. The first quarter of 2020 was planned to be dedicated to the drawing up of the content of work programmes and calls for proposals concerning the first four years of Horizon Europe. If disagreements upon the budget spread overtime, it will have a serious impact on the strategic planning and partnerships of Horizon Europe.

2085
1 European Highlights, BNU December 2019, Brussels News Updates

New European Commission launches European Green Deal

EuChemS congratulates Ursula von der Leyen on her position as the new Commission President and wishes her all the very best in her endeavors.

Earlier this autumn, EuChemS has written an Open Letter to European Commission President von der Leyen, on the need to revise the title of the portfolio for Commissioner Mariya Gabriel to ‘’Education, Research, Innovation and Youth’’ and we are glad to have been heard.

During her first speech as the new Commission President at the global climate conference COP25 in Madrid, Spain, Ursula von der Leyen relaunched discussions on budget matters for research. To reach the goal of climate neutrality in the framework of a European Green Deal, €1 trillion of investment over the next ten years should be unleashed to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions on the continent by 2050.

2105
1 European Highlights, BNU December 2019, Brussels News Updates

Quality Chemistry Education in Europe

The Council of the European Chemistry Thematic Network Association (ECTN) met in Rome in the first week of December. N. Hrastelj, EuChemS Secretary General, attended the meeting in her role as advisor.

EuChemS and ECTN has a successful long lasting collaboration on overlapping topics of common interest in the field of chemistry education and related topics. One such example are joint surveys on employability of chemists in Europe; two were executed by now, while the third one (ESEC3) is scheduled for spring next year. Please keep an eye on further announcements on launching the survey.

For more information about ECTN, check here. For more information about the first two European employability surveys, please check here.

1882
1 European Highlights, BNU December 2019, Brussels News Updates

EuChemS attending Primo Levi Award

On December 6, Professor Emeritus Vincenzo Balzani has been awarded Primo Levi Award which is jointly granted by the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh) and the Società Chimica Italiana (SCI). EuChemS President, Pilar Goya Laza, and EuChemS Secretary General Nineta Hrastelj, were invited to joint the celebration hosted by Società Chimica Italiana in Rome.

Congratulations from all of us at EuChemS!

For more information, check here.

1957
1 European Highlights, BNU December 2019, Brussels News Updates

Latest ECHA Committee for microplastics restriction

EuChemS attended the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) meeting of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in November which addressed several pressing issues. Significant topics under discussion included that of biodegrability, microplastics restrictions and its critical applications for human and environmental exposure caused by infill material for synthetic pitches.

Once again, microplastics were at the center stage. Stakeholders were invited during the meeting to better clarify the points of the proposed restriction on microplastics. No objection was made to exclude biodegradable microplastics from the restriction proposal. The issue at stake now is to implement efficient tests to give a definition of biodegradable microplastic. A series of OECD and ISO tests have been proposed. Two years would be required to obtain the results of such tests.

Further changes and decisions regarding the microplastic restrictions have been made. The three basic risk management components have been slightly modified to address the concerns raised by the placing on the market and intentional use of microplastics. They concern the following topics: complete ban, instructions for use requirements as well as reporting requirements.

The polymeric infill materials (end-of-life tires, synthetic elastomeric materials) used in sports fields are also concerned by the restriction.

You can find more details about this meeting here.

1935
1 European Highlights, BNU December 2019, Brussels News Updates

The International Year of the Periodic Table is coming to an end

On December 5, the Official Closing Ceremony for the International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT) took place in Tokyo, Japan. Professor David Cole-Hamilton, EuChemS Vice-President, attended the ceremony on behalf of EuChemS. Learn more about this event here.

150 years after the discovery of periodicity by Mendeleev, 2019 was selected to be the year-long celebration of the universally known symbol of science. The IYPT2019 permitted to put chemistry under the spotlights for a whole year, enhancing initiatives for a better communication among the different fields of the discipline. Events were organised all year-long, in Europe and beyond.

Most prominent among EuChemS actions was the creation of a Periodic Table depicting elements scarcity. By sharing it the European Chemical Society aimed to lead to reflection and action on the topic. The EuChemS Periodic Table is now available in 32 languages. Amongst other, it was unveiled and discussed at EuChemS event in the European Parliament in Brussels in January this year and included in recently published report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) ‘Paving the way for a circular economy: insights on status and potentials’.

EuChemS also released a video game, a Periodic Table Adventure ‘Elemental Escapades’. The game aims to teach about basic chemical elements in an entertaining way. ‘Elemental escapades’ has been viewed by almost 9k people within two months of its release.

Nonetheless, the year-long celebration has not end yet. You can still follow the hashtag #IYPT2019 on social media to follow all the latest news.

3380
4 Calls for Funding and Awards, BNU Nov 2019, Brussels News Updates

Calls open for three EuChemS Awards

The call for submissions for three major EuChemS awards are open.

First off, the EuChemS Historical Landmarks Award, which aims to celebrate the important link between history, cultural heritage and chemistry, is open to submission. The Award was first run last year with two awardees being selected: the Ytterby Mine in Sweden, and the industrial soap-making complex of ABEA on the island of Crete in Greece. Find out more about the award and enter your submission here. Deadline: 31 December 2019

Each year, EuChemS celebrates the major achievements of a junior scientist working in chemistry. The winner, awarded a statuette, is also invited to give a lecture at the next European Chemistry Congress or the major conference of a EuChemS Professional Network. Everything you need to know about the award and how to submit available here. Deadline: 31 December 2019.

EuChemS also aims to acknowledge the outstanding commitment of an individual to fostering chemistry and molecular sciences in Europe, as well as to the goals of EuChemS. If you know somebody who has made a difference for Chemistry in Europe and for EuChemS’ image and activities, submit your nomination here. Deadline: 31 December 2019.

1428
1 European Highlights, BNU Nov 2019, Brussels News Updates

Chemistry in Europe 2019-4 published

In the last edition of 2019, Chemistry in Europe this time round includes an Editorial by David Cole-Hamilton who reflects on his experience with EuChemS, a look into the recent EFSA Stakeholder Forum, input from our Professional Networks, the European Young Chemists’ Network, as well as our Member Societies. The newsletter moreover includes news on the EuChemS Historical Landmarks Award, and an interview with Iwona Maciejowska, Past-Chair of the EuChemS Division of Chemical Education. You can read the newsletter here.

1436
1 European Highlights, BNU Nov 2019, Brussels News Updates

EuChemS reveals logo to celebrate its 50 years in 2020

2020 will see the European Chemical Society celebrate 50 years since its conception.

EuChemS, originally known as the Federation of European Chemical Sciences (FECS) was established on 3rd of July 1970 in Prague by the vision of 17 European national chemical societies from both eastern and western Europe. Quickly recognised for its important and unifying role, FECS was eventually consolidated and renamed EuCheMS, the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences in 2004. Official headquarters were opened in Brussels with the realisation that the umbrella organisation, representing now 48 societies, and by extension some 150,000 chemists had an important part to play in sharing knowledge and advice with the European Union institutions. In the summer of 2018, the name was changed to the European Chemical Society which better reflects what we represent and our vision.

In order to celebrate the 50 years of EuChemS, a special logo has been designed, and activities and initiatives planned for 2020. It is our hope that spotlighting our history, the shared visions that made the organisation a reality, and our actions today will enable EuChemS to be even better recognised by the vast chemistry community, and by decision-makers in Brussels and national capitals. Celebrating our 50 years also means celebrating our community which is rich in knowledge, expertise, competence and devotion but also of enthusiasm and dynamism.

1965
1 European Highlights, BNU Nov 2019, Brussels News Updates

European Environment Agency (EEA) report on the circular economy refers to EuChemS Periodic Table

In a recently published report on ‘Paving the way for a circular economy: insights on status and potentials’, the European Environment Agency (EEA) – the EU’s agency tasked with providing sound and independent information on the environment – refers to the EuChemS Periodic Table highlighting element scarcity, illustrating the impact that Chemistry has on overarching policy issues both in Europe and worldwide. It is moreover testament of the far-reaching impact of the EuChemS Periodic Table and its relevance in science-policy interactions.

The report looks at some of the challenges facing the implementation of a sustainable circular economy. In a departure from previous reports, it goes beyond a focus on overarching concepts of what circularity entails and specific aspects that define it. Rather, the report aims to analyse the ways forward and to provide insights into the current situation and areas of potential. It recognises that fostering circular material use requires a broad system perspective and extensive stakeholder involvement. The entire product lifecycle — including the design, production, consumption and waste phases — needs to be addressed in a coherent way. The enablers of and barriers to circular business models need to be well understood and addressed before innovation and competitiveness can be enhanced”. The EEA’s report moreover looks at the status of individual materials and the need to assess the real availability of a material by combining information on the supply risk and recycling input rates.

You can access and read the full report here.

1817
1 European Highlights, BNU Nov 2019, Brussels News Updates

Chemists and Physicists join for ‘Passion for Science 2019’ Symposium

Angela Agostiano, President of the Italian Chemical Society, Luisa Cifarelli, President the Italian Physical Society and David Cole-Hamilton, EuChemS Vice President

Chemists and Physicists have come together for an International Symposium ‘Passion for Science 2019’ on the occasion of the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT2019) organised by the Italian Physical Society (SIF) in collaboration with the Italian Chemical Society (SCI) in the Bologna on 6 and 7 November.

The event addresses a wide range of topics, from materials science to the link between nanotechnologies and cultural heritage, as well as a broader view of the history of the Periodic Table. EuChemS Vice-President David Cole-Hamilton discussed on the first day of the event the EuChemS Periodic Table and the issue of endangered elements and their growing scarcity. Ulrich Schubert, from Vienna University, Austria and Past-President of EuChemS, held a presentation on ‘New materials: where chemistry and materials sciences meet’ where he was joined by Petra Rudolf, President of the European Physical Society.

Find out more about the event here.

1857
1 European Highlights, BNU Nov 2019, Brussels News Updates

New report published on improving the gathering and use of scientific advice

A special panel of advisors, the EU’s Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, has published a new report with recommendations for further improving the way the EU institutions in Brussels gather and use scientific advice. The report calls for strengthening the use of scientific advice in policymaking, making decisions more transparent and on setting up guidelines and a set of best practices in the use of scientific advice. The latter aims to address the issue of a fragmented landscape from which scientific knowledge is gathered. At the moment, the European Commission receives input from the Joint Research Centre (JRC), EU agencies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) or the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), but also its Directorate-Generals, and the Scientific Advice Mechanism. Further scientific advice is also collected via open consultations and calls for feedback – all of which employ various methodologies. The report also looks at the need for the Commission to carefully deal with conflicts of interest, especially in the use of panels which usually include representatives from industry, academia or NGOs, each of whom may have specific agendas.

Some of the proposed recommendations include engaging early and regularly with stakeholders; clarifying the boundaries between science, scientific advice and politics; defining with stakeholders the questions to be addressed; refining approaches to conflicts of interest; using the most suitable uncertainty analysis approaches; better communicating uncertainties and diverging scientific views, amongst a plethora of other proposals.

You can read the report here.

1677
1 European Highlights, BNU Nov 2019, Brussels News Updates

Budget cut looms over future of Horizon Europe

Discussions over the EU’s budget for the next seven years threaten to see cuts to the budget allocation to research and innovation. With certain EU countries unwilling to pay more into the general EU budget and others unwilling to see decreases in the budgets for cohesion or agriculture, there is a growing risk that funding for EU science and innovation may be cut. Member of the European Parliament Christian Ehler, one of the rapporteurs for Horizon Europe, has warned that the framework programme could face a cut of some €12 billion. Decreases in Horizon Europe would in turn impact the budgets for the European Research Centre (ERC) and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).

The Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE), a platform of European Learned Societies and Research Organisations, has launched a campaign aimed to collect the signatures of scientists to demonstrate to national governments and to the EU institutions the vital role science, research and innovation can play in tackling the challenges we face today. EuChemS has given its support to the campaign and actively encourages everyone to find out more and to sign up. You can find out more about the campaign here, and sign up directly here.

1918