Pros and cons
The working group public relations organises the publication of reports on current topics in the natural sciences with political significance. Unsurprisingly, such topics are discussed controversially. The working group does not take a position here; instead, it finds two authors who present well-founded opposing views. This project is overseen by Dr. Dieter Kunz, Bayreuth, and Prof. Dr. Helmut Ritter, Wuppertal.
To date, 28 such pro-and-con reports have been published in Nachrichten aus der Chemie:
Ulf-Peter Apfel: Basic research and application – two sides of the same coin. Nachr. Chem. 2025, 73(11), 16.
Paul P. Momtaz: Freedom of science concerns society as a whole. Nachr. Chem. 2025, 73(11), 17.
Paul Münnich: Climate protection is the central guiding principle. Nachr. Chem. 2025, 73(02), 8.
André Thess: Unrealistic ideas about the costs of climate neutrality. Nachr. Chem. 2025, 73(02), 9.
Sascha Rohn
"Food processing has contributed to increasing life expectancy." Nachr.Chem. 2024, 72 (9) 16.
"Highly processed foods can increase the risk of diet-related diseases." Nachr.Chem. 2024, 72 (9) 16.
Mara Hancker: The right packaging prevents food waste. Nachr. Chem. 2024 ,72(4), 22.
Chrissi Holzmann: In the packaging-free shop: 84 per cent less packaging. Nachr. Chem. 2024 ,72(4), 23.
Lorena Herkert: PFAS in rainwater and in the fatty tissue of polar bears. Nachr. Chem. 2023, 71(9), 8.
Thomas Holtmann: There are no alternatives for many applications. Nachr. Chem. 2023, 71(9), 9.
Rüger Schlund: Patents are not sent by God. Nachr. Chem. 2022, 70(4), 10.
Thomas Seuß: Other measures appear simpler. Nachr. Chem. 2022, 70(4), 11.
Gerhard Kreysa: Hydrogen for the mobility transition. Nachr. Chem. 2021, 69(2), 8.
Ferdinand Dudenhöffer: No breakthrough for fuel cells in passenger cars. Nachr. Chem. 2021, 69(2), 9.
Klaus-Dieter Jany: The method must not be judged indiscriminately, Nachr. Chem. 2019, 67(12), 8.
Christoph Then: This creates a particular duty of care. Nachr. Chem. 2019, 67(12), 9.
Achim Derks: Practice-oriented degree programmes secure the supply of skilled workers, Nachr. Chem. 2019, 67, 24.
Horst Hippler: Universities are not vocational schools, Nachr. Chem. 2019, 67, 25.
Thoralf Küchler: The debate about glyphosate is not objective, Nachr. Chem. 2018, 66, 992.
Johann G. Zaller: Decisions based on the precautionary principle are required, Nachr. Chem. 2018, 66, 993.
Martin Winter: The rise of the electric car has begun, Nachr. Chem 2018, 66, 536.
Thomas Koch: The combustion engine is not the problem, Nachr. Chem. 2018, 66, 537.
Uwe Böhme, Cornelia Rau, Silke Tesch: Preprints in chemistry, Nachr.Chem. 2018, 66, 427.
Irina Sens: Why preprints are also useful in chemistry Nachr.Chem. 2018, 66, 429.
Peter Gölitz: Why chemists do not need preprints Nachr.Chem. 2018, 66, 430.
Wolfram Koch: How GDCh is participating in the ChemRXiv preprint server Nachr.Chem. 2018, 66, 431?
Anja Krumbe: Efficient sweetening agents, Nachr.Chem. 2017, 65, 890.
Susanne Ziesenitz: Sweeten naturally with sugar, Nachr.Chem. 2017, 65, 891.
Barbara Praetorius: The energy transition is an innovation driver, Nachr. Chem. 2017, 65, 570.
Joachim Weimann: National climate policy can only fail, Nachr. Chem. 2017, 65, 571.
Nachr. Chem. 2016, 64, 649
Peter Klüfers: A doctorate is worthwhile.
Thorsten Daubenfeld: Just one of many possibilities.
Nachr. Chem. 2016, 64, 154
Gerhard Jahreis: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients.
Gerhard Spiteller: The positive effect of omega-3 fatty acids is feigned.
Nachr. Chem. 2015, 63, 892
Thomas Seilnacht: "Experiments with bromine in schools are too costly."
Eric Täuscher, Dieter Weiß: "Bromine – but of course."
Nachr. Chem. 2015, 63, 636
Thomas Seuß: "A grace period for novelty protects inventors."
Marcel Kouskoutis: "The disadvantages outweigh the advantages."
Nachr. Chem. 2015, 63, 126-127
Alex C. Müller: "For the sustainability principle in the nuclear fuel cycle"
Horst Geckeis: "Transmutation cannot replace a final repository."
Nachr. Chem. 2015, 63, 26
Mohammed Amro: "Germany should not lose time when it comes to fracking."
Karsten Runge: "Fracking in densely populated Germany would be fatal."
Nachr. Chem. 2014, 62, 748
Guido Herrmann: "Open access does not solve the cost problem."
Peter Seeberger: "Open access is only a first step."
Nachr. Chem. 2013, 61, 132
Heinz Hug: "The climate models are failing."
Ehrhard Raschke: "No, they are not."
Nachr. Chem. 2013, 61, 24
Frank Ziegler: "Prospective students need guidance."
Henning Hopf: "This does more harm than good to chemistry."
Nachr. Chem. 2012, 60, 1092
Reinhard W. Hoffmann, Paultheo von Zezschwitz: "We need the experimental lecture."
Michael Göbel: " More suitable for subsidiary subjects."
Nachr. Chem., 2012, 60, 1000
Lutz Wicke: "The CCS boycott is turning Germany into a climate sinner."
Werner Neumann: "CCS is not a bridging technology but a crutch."
Nachr. Chem. 2012, 60, 650 - 651
Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard: "Green genetic engineering is being politically opposed through irrationality."
Angelika Hilbeck: "Green genetic engineering relies on industrial agriculture."
Nachr. Chem. 2012, 60, 22 - 23
Gundolf Kohlmeier: "Into the age of renewable energy with entrepreneurial spirit."
Vollrath Hopp: "It is indefensible to produce biofuels."
Nachr. Chem. 2011, 59, 954 - 955
Joachim Nitsch: "Nuclear power stations are not an option for climate protection."
Heribert Offermanns: "Nuclear technology too can be a technology of the future."