Chemical reactions control processes in living and inanimate nature. Chemistry is thus a science of nature—in short, a natural science. Furthermore, the knowledge of chemistry, like that of physics or biology, is applied industrially to manufacture and improve many of the products we use every day. Ideally, the public appreciates their benefits and is aware of their risks. In our view, the GDCh should do more to convey chemical knowledge in a generally understandable way and to address controversial topics.

For this purpose, the "Chemistry is..." working group was founded to stimulate interest in chemistry and explain chemical issues in their relevance to everyday life. Contributions can range from newspaper columns to science slams. They are aimed at both young people and adults. They are intended neither to gloss over nor demonize chemistry and its achievements, but rather to present them based on facts. In this way, the working group contributes to ensuring that new technologies in which chemistry plays a role can be discussed topical in the public.

The working group 's activities include the development of the cartoons, the creation of the film Street Stars Chemistry and the organization of four ChemSlams so far in 2021, 2019, 2017 and 2015. The last ChemSlam took place on August 30, 2021, as part of the GDCh Science Forum Chemistry.