EuChemS, the European Chemical Society, is an umbrella organisation representing national Chemical Societies and other chemistry-related organisations in Europe. EuChemS aims to nurture a platform for scientific discussion and to provide a single, unbiased European voice on key policy issues in chemistry and related fields.
EuChemS has been active since 1970, initially under the name of FECS (Federation of European Chemical Sciences). FECS was established on 3 July 1970 in Prague by 17 Member Societies from both east and west Europe. On 14 October 2004 in its General Assembly in Bucharest, FECS decided to adopt the EuCheMS, the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences designation, with its headquarters in Belgium, and to prepare a new constitution, which was published in the Belgian Gazette on 28 April 2006. In the summer of 2018, a new name, acronym and logo was adopted: EuChemS, the European Chemical Society.
Representing more than 130,000 chemists from 50 Member Societies and other chemistry related organisations, EuChemS relies on a unique network of active researchers involved in all the fields of chemistry. Through this network, EuChemS organises several specialised academic conferences as well as the biannual EuChemS Chemistry Congress, the European congress of chemical sciences. EuChemS also promotes the role and image of the chemical sciences among the general public and policy-makers through social media, newsletters and through the organisation of conferences and workshops open to the society.
Through the promotion of chemistry and by providing expert and scientific advice, EuChemS aims to take part in the solution to today´s major societal challenges.
EuChemS is a signatory of the EU Transparency register. The register number is: 03492856440-03. EuChemS is also an official accredited stakeholder of the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Governance
EuChemS is registered as an association internationale sans but lucratif (international not-for-profit association) in Belgium. The Constitution (English version available here) and by-laws set out, amongst others, the responsibilities of its governing bodies:
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the governing body and defines the general policy lines of EuChemS.
Executive Board
The Executive Board is responsible for managing the scientific, educational and professional activities of EuChemS.
EuChemS Secretariat
The Secretariat is located at EuChemS offices in Brussels and it is responsible for the day to day administrative management of the association.