Flanders and the Netherlands represented at the 20th EYCN Delegate Assembly in Prague

On Thursday evening, most delegates from the various European chemical societies arrived to get acquainted with one another at a local Czech restaurant. There were quite a few new faces, but it was also a warm reunion with familiar friends.

In a room overlooking the sun-drenched Charles Bridge, the programme got under way with a welcome address from outgoing EYCN President Claudia Bonfio and current EuChemS President Angela Agostiano. The various working groups within EYCN then had the opportunity to present their results from the past year.

Leadership

This edition was also marked by the election of a new EYCN board. Congratulations to KNCV member Tatiana Sviriniuc on securing the Global Connections team leader position. Treasurer Nathan Carpentier (Jong-KVCV), meanwhile, bid farewell to his role on the EYCN board.

Alongside various networking opportunities that encouraged the exchange of ideas and experiences from each society’s own young members’ section, several relevant workshops were also on the programme. One of the highlights was a training session on leadership and teamwork, delivered by Elsevier.

Looking ahead to 2026

There was also an opportunity to look ahead to 2026. Thomas Vranken succeeded in generating enthusiasm for the 10th EuChemS Chemistry Congress (ECC10), which will take place in Antwerp next year. In addition, Nathan Carpentier persuaded the delegates to bring the Delegate Assembly to Antwerp next year as well — with a unanimous vote in favour.

Stay up to date

We are already looking forward to the summer of 2026, when we will not only be welcoming the ECC10 congress, but also hosting the EYCN delegates a few days earlier for a very special edition of the Delegate Assembly. And special it will certainly be, as EYCN will also be celebrating its 20th anniversary. It promises to be an edition with a truly golden touch.