Wissenschaftliche Vorbereitung: Jean-François Bach (Paris), Pierre Braunstein ML (Strasbourg), Manfred T. Reetz ML (Mülheim/Ruhr), Wen-Hua Sun (Beijing)

Developments in science and technology have never been as rapid as now. The implications are considerable for the scientists in charge and for the public as well (everyday’s life has already changed considerably within one generation!). Faster and more effective communication of the scientific results from the international academic community to peers, to application-oriented institutions and industries as well as to policy- and decision-makers represents a real challenge and is therefore a global issue.

Chemistry plays a central role in modern society because it is closely associated with a major industry which directly or indirectly delivers products appearing in everyday life. However, chemistry, be it the chemical industry or the science of chemistry itself, has suffered from a somewhat negative image since the 1970s. Although this has improved considerably in recent times, some misconceptions still remain in public opinion. In reality, chemistry plays a unique role in solving current problems the world is facing. Facing the challenges of health, nutrition, energy, and environmental control as well as management of natural resources by the development of “green” and cost-effective processes are crucial topics on the agenda of current chemistry. These challenges provide a major incentive for young people to join this very active branch of science! Moreover, chemistry is not just a core science in itself, it is also actively expanding into other fields such as biology and physics, offering great opportunities for collaborative efforts in the quest to design and create new materials with unprecedented chemical, biological or physical properties.

It appears therefore particularly appropriate and timely that a high level Chemistry Symposium will take place in Paris this year, organized by the respective National Academies of France, Germany and China. Chemists from these three countries will share most recent advances in the relevant fields. This will not only allow the scientists to share expertise, but it should also promote international scientific exchanges and inspire the next generation of chemists for future challenges.

Twelve scientists (four per country) will give oral presentations. Moreover, a round-table discussion will focus on the various approaches, existing or to be implemented, for promoting sciences, with chemistry being in the focus, aimed at decision-makers in scientific institutions and science management and at younger scientists representing the next generation.