Here you will find publications on topics that concern the GDCh. You can find the links to the individual publications by clicking on the arrow to the right of the heading
In 2022, the GDCh Board decided to make Rethinking Chemistry the GDCh motto. Rethinking Chemistry is intended to provide space for new thoughts and ideas on all subject areas to which chemistry can and must make valuable contributions. We have set up separate pages for this topic.
Plants fix carbon from carbon dioxide in the air for a certain period of time. Pyrolysis of plant residues binds it longer. The product can be used in agriculture to strengthen enzymes and microorganisms for photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. Contribution by Aaron Ertler in Nachrichten aus der Chemie. (Access for members in the GDCh app at https://gdch.app/article/kohlenstoff-fixieren-4136588 )
The Swiss company Climeworks builds systems that separate CO2 from the ambient air. In the interview, Carlos Härtel, senior technology advisor to the Managing Directors, explains how the process known as direct air capture works and why he sees the chemical industry as an important partner. Interview by Uta Neubauer in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie. (Access for members in the GDCh app at https://gdch.app/article/es-ist-zu-viel-co2-in-der-luft-und-einer-muss-es-rausholt-4136774 )
In autumn 2022, explosions caused leaks in the two Baltic Sea pipelines Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2. This act of sabotage suddenly brought a gas into the public eye that had been somewhat forgotten in the discussion about the anthropogenic greenhouse effect and the role of carbon dioxide : Methane as a component of the atmosphere and a trace gas that has an impact on the climate. Contribution by Peter Wiesen and Niklas Illmann in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie. To the article ( free access) in the GDCh app.
Hydrogen reacts with hydroxyl radicals and thus influences the lifespan of methane in the atmosphere. This effect is currently negligible due to the small amounts of hydrogen in the atmosphere. However, if hydrogen is used as an energy source in the future, this could change. Contribution by Reinhard Zellner in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie. To the article (free access) in the GDCh app.
On October 19, 2022, the societies in the “Science Connects” alliance (GDCh as well as DPG, DVGeo, DMV and VBIO) invited people to a joint parliamentary evening in Berlin. A total of 33 MPs and speakers from MPs found out about the expertise available in mathematics and natural sciences and about current approaches to solving the current challenges. The focus was on individual discussions at thematic tables in the areas of “Materials and Raw Materials”, “Energy Storage and Distribution”, “Energy Generation”, “Climate Modeling”, “Greenhouse Gas Reduction” and “Resilience and Sustainability”.
Contribution by Henning Hopf, Alain Krief, Stephen A. Matlin and Goverdhan Mehta in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie. To the article in the GDCh app
Scientific societies on climate change: “Listen to science!” (January 2020)
Four large mathematical and scientific societies in Germany, including the GDCh, are calling on politicians and business to take energetic measures against climate change. They point to the available scientific findings that require more decisive action. Further information in a press release.
GDCh fact sheet: Climate change: Small molecules – big impact: (June 2020)
Since April 2020, the German Chemical Society has been publishing fact sheets with generally understandable information on relevant topics at www.gdch.de/factsheet. To the climate change fact sheet: Small molecules – big impact!
Too much CO 2 from traffic: Is electromobility the solution? (May 2019)
A contribution to the discussion by Reinhard Zellner, reprint of the article from Nachrichten aus der Chemie
Published in May 2019; Download PDF (1.9 MB)
Air quality and climate – challenges for chemistry (August 2017)
A contribution in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie to the Chemistry, Air Quality and Climate (CLK) working committee by Peter Wiesen, Wuppertal and Reinhard Zellner, Essen, Chair of the CLK committee. To the post
Statement at the conclusion of the World Climate Summit in Paris (December 2015)
The global community agreed in Paris: climate protection is a global obligation. There is no longer any doubt about the anthropogenic cause of climate change and the need for action to keep it within limits. This is more than in previous decisions by the negotiating partners and is therefore a success. At least politically and in people’s minds. But what can we really expect? A statement from Prof. Dr. Reinhard Zellner, Chair of the GDCh/Dechema/DBG Joint Committee for Chemistry, Air Quality and Climate. To the press release
You can find further articles on the topic of climate change in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
The proposed EU ban on all per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances also affects the outdoor industry, as these substances are used in breathable membranes and water-repellent textile coatings. Bettina Roth, head of quality management at outdoor outfitter Vaude in Tettnang, Baden-Württemberg, explains how this works without these substances. Interview by Uta Neubauer in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie. (Access for members in the GDCh app at https://gdch.app/article/interview-endverbraucher-haben-kritik-nachgefragt-4138471 )
The European Chemicals Agency Echa is preparing the regulation of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS for short. The environmental persistence of the substances alone justifies a comprehensive ban, says Juliane Glüge from ETH Zurich. She represents the European Chemical Society in Echa meetings that deal with the PFAS ban. Interview by Uta Neubauer in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie. (Access for members in the GDCh app at https://gdch.app/article/regulation-per-und-polyfluorierte-substanzen-4138463 )
The GDCh Think Tank PFAS consists of representatives of GDCh structures from industry and university: GDCh Working Group Fluorochemistry (AG F), GDCh Divisions macromolecular chemistry (MC), environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology (U&Ö), Analytical Chemistry (AC), Young economic chemists (JuWiChem) from the Association for Chemistry and Economics. To comment
There is a lot of talk about PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) at the moment. A possible ban on PFAS in the European Union is being discussed. In the September issue of Nachrichten aus der Chemie, two experts discuss a ban on PFAS. To the post.
Per- and polyfluorinated hydrocarbons are persistent environmental toxins. Routine procedures for chemical analysis and biomonitoring are currently being increasingly developed. Contribution by Christian Ehrensberger in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie. (Access for members in the GDCh app at https://gdch.app/article/wildschweinleber-als-bioanzeige-4134838 )
It could be a proposal with far-reaching consequences for the chemical industry and us as consumers. A possible ban on PFAS – special per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances – is being discussed in the European Union. Generally understandable contribution from Dr. Jörg Wetterau in Fascination Chemistry ( to the article )
Reusable packaging for food or plastic-free clothing ensures more sustainability and recycling in everyday life. Laboratories are not always able to do without single-use plastics. But there are ways to keep the amount small. Contribution by Purnesh Chattopadhyay, Stella Bodiguel, Juliane Simmchen in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (access for members in the GDCh app: at https://gdch.app/article/wo-sich-einwegplastik-vermeiden-laesst-4137780 )
Some active ingredients in old medicines are too valuable to be disposed of in waste incineration. A working group at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg extracts them and makes them usable as chemicals for research and teaching. Article by Markus R. Heinrich in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (access for members in the GDCh app: at https://gdch.app/article/labor-statt-muellcontainer-4138226 )
Contribution by Joachim von Heimburg, Emil Roduner, Klaus‐Dieter Franz, Wolfgang Huebinger, Thomas Osterland in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie. To the article ( Free Access in the GDCh app ).
A carbon atom tells of its journeys through plastic applications, inspired by the K 2022 plastics trade fair in Düsseldorf in the fall. It was in a yellow bag there for a while, because circular economy was one of the main topics of the trade fair. To the article by Maren Bulmahn Nachrichten aus der Chemie (access for members in the GDCh app: at https://gdch.app/article/als-ich-mal-in-polyamid-existierte-4133070 )
If the chemical industry increasingly uses renewable raw materials instead of fossil raw materials, other synthesis routes are necessary. To date, plant-based chemicals often only make up a small part of the end product. Not everything will be new – but a lot will be. To Christian Ehrensberger's article in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (access for members in the GDCh app: at https://gdch.app/article/weniger-ethen-mehr-milchsaeure-4123450 )
In July 2022, UNESCO declared the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development. In a position paper, the five major professional societies in the life sciences, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics and physics call for basic research in Germany and its importance for sustainable development to be valued more highly, communicated better and promoted more effectively. To the press release
The implementation of the chemicals strategy with its more than 50 measures will have far-reaching consequences not only for the chemical industry and the use of chemical products. Researchers in basic research at universities and non-university research institutions also have to face new challenges, for example if chemicals or entire classes of substances are banned in the future. That's what the webinar on June 15, 2022 was about.
The articles on the sustainability spotlight in the September issue of Nachrichten aus der Chemie are published as a virtual issue "Sustainability" in the Wiley Online Library.
Contribution by Detlef Männig in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
To the article (access for members under MyGDCh): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20204104036
At this joint Online event by the GDCh and the American Chemical Society (ACS) on October 28, 2020, the role of chemical societies in achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals was discussed.
The event is available as a video.
The white paper Science to enable sustainable plastics summarizes the results of the eighth Chemical Sciences and Society Symposium (CS3). Download the complete white paper as a PDF in English or the press release in German
Contribution by Christian Ehrensberger in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
To the article (access for members under MyGDCh): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20204095287
Contribution by Brigitte Osterath in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
To the article (access for members under MyGDCh): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20204095088
Contribution by Thomas Kopel Hannes Utikal in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
To the article (access for members under MyGDCh): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20194084282
Contribution by Hans‐Jürgen Weyer and Christoph Bott in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
To the article (access for members under MyGDCh): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20184075056
Contribution by Goverdhan Mehta, Stephen A. Matlin, Alain Krief and Henning Hopf in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
To the article (access for members under MyGDCh): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20164048006
Since April 2020, the German Chemical Society has been publishing fact sheets with generally understandable information on relevant topics at www.gdch.de/factsheet. To the fact sheet insect proteins: a sustainable diet
You can find further articles on the topic of sustainable chemistry in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie and in the GDCh Division of Sustainable Chemistry.
ChemRxiv has grown into the premier preprint server for the chemical sciences, with a global audience and a wide array of scholarly content. On the service's fifth anniversary, we would like to reflect on the past five years and take a look at what is next for ChemRxiv. Contribution from Dr. Benjamin Mudrak, Sara Bosshart, Prof. Dr. Wolfram Koch, Allison Leung, Dr. Donna Minton, Dr. Mitsuo Sawamoto and Sarah Tegen in Applied Chemistry/Int. Edition (Free Access)
All contributions to Highlight Publishing are summarized as a virtual issue.
The American Chemical Society, the German Chemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry announce their partnership with the Chinese Chemical Society and the Chemical Society of Japan as co-owners. More information. More about ChemRxiv, the open access preprint archive for chemistry
The contract between the DEAL project, which represents almost 700 academic institutions in Germany as a consortium, and the publisher John Wiley & Sons, Inc. comes into force on July 1, 2019. The agreement was concluded in January 2019. The contract regulates, among other things, that researchers at Project DEAL institutions can publish articles as “open access” in Wiley journals. Further information
In September 2018, eleven research funding organizations from Europe (cOAlition S) published the so-called Plan S, which defines the framework conditions for the transition to open access for the research results financed by these funding organizations by 2020 in ten principles. For the statement in German and English.
The American Chemical Society (ACS), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the German Chemical Society (GDCh) are entering into a collaboration to advance the financial and strategic development of ChemRxiv, the preprint server for the global chemistry community.
At its meeting in December 2013, the GDCh Board approved the position paper “On the future of academic publishing”. The paper was drawn up by a 13-member commission Chair by the GDCh President, Professor Barbara Albert, on the basis of a GDCh discussion paper “On open access to scientific knowledge (Open Access)” prepared in 2004. Download the position paper ( PDF )
NFDI4Chem is the chemistry consortium, NFDI4Cat is the catalysis consortium in the National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI) initiative. The goals of NFDI4Chem and NFDI4Cat are to digitize all important steps in chemical research to support scientists in collecting, storing, processing, analyzing, publishing and reusing research data. The GDCh is involved in both consortia. Further information about NFDI4Chem and NFDI4Cat
You can find further articles on the topic of open access in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
The GDCh is temporarily or permanently active in various committees that are directed against chemical weapons. She is a member of the German working group “Disarmament and Non-Proliferation of Biological and Chemical Weapons”. The working group was founded in 1997 and is supported by various organizations. Its goal is, among other things, to deepen knowledge of biological and chemical arms control through exchange between science and practice.
The GDCh is also represented on the advisory board of the “Competence Network on Chemical and Biological Weapons ( CBW Competence Network )” funded by the BMBF, which started its project work in April 2022. Among other things, the network works to strengthen standards against chemical and biological weapons (CBW).
From 2016 to 2021, the GDCh was represented on the OPCW's Advisory Board on Education and Outreach. The OPCW is an independent international organization that monitors compliance and implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and sets the framework for the destruction of chemical weapons.
Since Russia's attack on Ukraine, there have been fears that the warring parties could use chemical weapons. As chemists, we have a special responsibility to prevent the production and use of chemical weapons. The GDCh is active in various places to raise awareness of this. For the article by Karin J. Schmitz in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie or in the GDCh app (Free Access): https://gdch.app/article/gegen-chemie-kampfstoffe-4133151
In a joint event with the Leopoldina and the German Research Foundation in 2021, the problem of dual use, i.e. the use of research results both for desired applications and for misuse, was discussed. Another event with representatives of the GDCh followed in 2022.
After the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirmed the repeated use of poison gas in Syria, including in February 2018, the German Chemical Society (GDCh) strongly condemned the use. “We are horrified that people are being murdered or injured with chemical warfare agents again and again,” emphasized Dr. Matthias Urmann, then President of the GDCh, in a press release entitled Chemists condemn the use of poison gas in Syria.
The chemical societies of Europe, including the GDCh, reaffirmed their commitment to the Seville Declaration, which was issued in 2016. The statement, signed by 36 chemical societies in Europe, said: “We, the member societies of the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences (now the European Chemical Society, EuChemS), condemn the use of chlorine in Syria and other parts of the country world and call on the international community to bring to justice those responsible for the misuse of chlorine."
Under the leadership of the OPCW, more than 30 scientists and representatives of chemical societies developed the “Hague Ethics Guidelines”, which were adopted in September 2015. Three representatives of the GDCh were also involved in the development. The GDCh Board expressly supported the Hague Ethics Guidelines.
In April 2015, a memorial event in Ypres, Belgium, commemorated the people who died there 100 years earlier in the first major use of poison gas in the First World War and in later operations. The chemical community was represented by the then acting presidents of GDCh and EuChemS, Thomas Geelhaar and David Cole-Hamilton, and the then Past President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, David Phillips.
The study Chemists in the Third Reich, written by the science historian Helmut Maier on behalf of the GDCh, will be published in 2015. The German Chemical Society is thus committed to coming to terms with the history of its predecessor societies. The book, which contains over 700 pages, offers a detailed and independent study of the functions and structures of the DChG and the VDCh from 1933 to 1945. In addition to the description of the structures created at that time, individual fates are also tracked down and illuminated as a warning reminder for future generations.
Every person who wants to become a member of the GDCh must sign the GDCh code of conduct. It says, among other things: “All GDCh members are aware that, as scientists, they are particularly responsible for the effects of their professional activities on people and nature. (…) They observe the laws and international conventions that apply to their work and their results and effects and oppose the misuse of chemistry, e.g. B. for the production of chemical weapons and addictive substances. When developing, applying and disseminating chemical knowledge, they are committed to the truth and do not use unfair methods.”
The experience gained in developing several Covid vaccines could soon be useful in fighting malaria. To Michael Groß's article in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (access for members in the GDCh app: at https://gdch.app/article/malaria-und-coviderwissen-4133612
An oral vaccination against Covid-19 would be an alternative to the injection. It could increase willingness to vaccinate in industrialized countries and make vaccination coverage possible in developing countries. To Christian Ehrensberger's article in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (access for members in the GDCh app: at https://gdch.app/article/oral-gegen-corona-4123451 )
Covid-19 leads to temporary or even long-lasting loss of the sense of smell (anosmia) for many sufferers. The pandemic is shining a spotlight on a long-neglected health problem - and raising hope for progress in treatment. For Michael Groß's article in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie or in the GDCh app (Free Access): https://gdch.app/article/ist-geruchsloss-heilbar-4131292
New test procedures are intended to make Sars-CoV-2 PCR tests faster or tell patients whether they are protected against the virus.
To Christian Ehrensberger's article in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (access for members in the GDCh app: at https://gdch.app/article/virenrna-oder-antikoerper-4125613 )
To the article by Andreas Marx, Karin Betz and Moritz Welter in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (access for members under MyGDCh): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20214114742
Producing an mRNA vaccine against the Sars-CoV-2 virus in large quantities is not a problem. The bottleneck, on the other hand, is the packaging, including the lipids that protect it.
Article by Christian Ehrensberger in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (access for members at MyGDCh): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20214106741
The escalating Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in multiple vaccines against the disease being developed and approved at record speed. Researchers used both established and new strategies.
Article by Michael Groß in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (Free Access): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20214106859
A peculiarity of the currently rampant Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus is that infected people can no longer perceive some smells. This can be used to detect an infection at an early stage.
Article by Christoph Kleber, Achim Walter Hassel and Heike Rebholz in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (Free Access): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20204104312
The genome of the Covid-19 pathogen Sars-Coronavirus-2 (Sars-Cov-2) consists of 30,000 letters. Viral genomes of tens of thousands of infected people have already been sequenced and examined. This will reveal details of the global spread and perhaps also provide insights into how the pandemic will develop.
Article by Michael Groß in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (Free Access): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20204101708
In a current statement, the joint fine dust working committee (AAF) of DECHEMA/ProcessNet, GDCh and KRdL analyzes the aerosol transmission path of the corona viruses in more detail. The experts discuss countermeasures and explain how masks, proper ventilation, suitable air purification and overhead extraction can reduce the aerosol load and thus transmission. To comment
Contribution by Harald Schwalbe in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
To the article (Free Access): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20204099573
Testing as many people as possible for Sars-Cov-2 infection has advantages. Not only does this reveal the true level of infection in the population, but also: those who know that they are carrying the virus are also more willing to stay at home. But the test reagents are not that easy to obtain in the quantities required.
Article by Brigitte Osterath in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (access for members at MyGDCh): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20204099677
The virus that causes the Covid-19 pandemic, like the pathogens of Sars, Mers and various versions of the flu, has spread from animals to humans. To avoid future pandemics, we must identify and block the routes by which they reach us.
Article by Michael Groß in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie (Free Access): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20204099025
The COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overcome without mathematical and scientific expertise. Five large mathematical and scientific societies in Germany emphasize this in a position paper. The specialist societies DVGeo, DMV, DPG, GDCh and VBIO represent the subjects of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and geosciences. To the position paper
Since April 2020, the German Chemical Society has been publishing fact sheets with generally understandable information on relevant topics at www.gdch.de/factsheet. The first two fact sheets deal with combating viruses using antiviral agents or soap and disinfectants.
The position paper of the mathematical and natural science specialist societies associated with science calls on politicians and school authorities to create qualified training courses for teachers of mathematical and scientific school subjects and to make it easier for them to take part in them during regular working hours.
With this catalog of topics, the Chemistry Study Commission of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) takes stock of the six-semester Bachelor of Chemistry university courses at universities and shows future perspectives. To the recommendations
Publisher: Federal Chemical Employers Association (BAVC), German Bunsen Society for Physical Chemistry eV (DBG), Society for Chemical Engineering and biotechnology eV (DECHEMA), Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology eV (GBM), German Chemical Society eV (GDCh), Industrial Union for Mining, Chemicals and Energy (IG BCE), Association of Employed Academics and Managers in the Chemical Industry (VAA), and Association of the Chemical Industry (VCI) To the position paper
The GDCh and six other associations present their demands for teaching in high schools. To the position paper
The results of the closed meeting at the Evangelical Academy in Tutzing in September 2016 are summarized in a brochure.
The catalog of topics for the six-semester bachelor's university courses in chemistry at universities contains an inventory of the core content of the modern bachelor's degree in chemistry covering around four semesters, as well as optional curriculum components. To the recommendations
The GDCh collects extensive data every year on the number of chemistry students in the various study sections, the number of exams taken, their assessments and the length of study. In addition, data on habilitations, habilitation candidates and junior professorships at German universities, as well as the proportion of female C3 and C4 professors, are regularly collected. Further information
Editorial by Dr. Lisa Pecher in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
To the article (access for members under MyGDCh): https://doi.org/10.1002/nadc.20214108514
Equal opportunities is an important issue for the GDCh. Regardless of our (historically derived) name , the German Chemical Society, chemists of all nationalities are of course welcome here. We also appeal to all genders. One of our mission statements states, among other things: “We live diversity and equal opportunities”.
Our equal opportunities activities are summarized on our own website. In addition, the GDCh Board has set up a Commission for Equal Opportunities in Chemistry.
In December 2021, the GDCh Board adopted the guidelines for gender-sensitive language in the GDCh
The four major scientific societies are deeply dismayed by the military violence in Ukraine. Our concern and solidarity are with the Ukrainian people and all other victims of this war, which we demand an immediate end to. To the statement
A year ago in the spring, chemistry students from Kyiv were among the refugees from Ukraine. The University of Gießen accepted around 20. Since then, you have started research projects, completed your studies, started a doctoral thesis, learned German or left Germany.
Contribution by Frauke Zbikowski in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie or for members in the GDCh app
In the course of the war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of using or planning to use chemical weapons under a false flag. There is currently no evidence for the respective allegations. International mechanisms exist to have the allegations independently investigated. For the article by Anna Krin and Kristoffer Burck in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie or in the GDCh app (Free Access): https://gdch.app/article/giftstoffe-und-chemieanlagen-im-krieg-4132604
Contribution by Frauke Zbikowski in the Nachrichten aus der Chemie
To the article in the GDCh app (Free Access)
A regularly updated compilation of statements, offers of help for Ukrainian scientists and aid organizations is published on these pages (shortlink www.gdch.de/ukraine ).
You can also find articles on all relevant chemistry topics in the journals of the GDCh
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last modified: 30.11.2023 15:59 H from Translator
