The Science Forum Chemistry, which replaced the former Wissenschaftsforum Chemie, took place for the first time from 29 September to 1 October 2025 in Karlsruhe under the motto “Thinking across borders”.
Under the guiding principle “Overcoming boundaries together and shaping the future of chemistry”, the GDCh invited participants to this redesigned event at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
A first-class programme of plenary lectures, sessions and engaging panel discussions, together with a festive Award Dinner, provided the setting for lively debates and fruitful collaborations. You can find a detailed review with many photos via the link below.
It has not yet been decided when and where the next Science Forum Chemistry will take place.
Photo: Prof. Stefanie Dehnen, GDCh President 2024/2025, at the opening of the Science Forum Chemistry
Until 2023, the GDCh organised the GDCh Science Forum Chemistry (WiFo) every two years at changing locations throughout Germany. International scientists were also invited to give presentations at this most important German chemistry congress. As part of the WiFo, the GDCh also regularly presented some of its most prestigious prizes and awards.
The “WiFo” was a platform on which chemistry presented itself in all its breadth as an integrative scientific discipline and industrial sector. Over four days featuring a programme of talks, an exhibition, a poster session, networking evenings and a careers day, decision-makers, visionaries and innovators met to exchange knowledge and experience. Alongside researchers and decision-makers from all areas of chemistry, attendees also included graduates of chemistry degree programmes, school pupils and media representatives.
In 2022, the GDCh Board decided to discontinue the Science Forum in the form held until 2023 and replace it with a new format, the Science Forum Chemistry.