Inspire

A new academic year brings new encounters, opportunities, and challenges. For the Royal Flemish Chemical Society (KVCV), this is the perfect moment to reach out to yet another new generation of students through this special edition of C2W | Mens & Molecule. This issue is dedicated to those standing at the start of a (study) career in chemistry or life sciences, featuring compelling accounts from students and young professionals finding their way — and succeeding — in these diverse sectors.

KVCV is a community of students, researchers, and professionals with a shared interest in chemistry. From company visits and lectures to workshops and international congresses — we aim to keep inspiring and bringing together everyone with a passion for science. Engaging young people with chemistry also remains an important part of our mission.

In this special, we take you behind the scenes of study experiences abroad, internships at companies, and the many ways in which students get involved beyond their studies. We also take a closer look at mental wellbeing during one’s studies.

We also speak with Célia Pas in an extra edition of Pushing Boundaries. Her journey — from a thesis placement in Canada to a doctorate in Switzerland and a career in bacteriophage research in Norway — shows how far passion and curiosity can take you.

‘Something big is on its way…’

Beyond this student special, there is plenty happening at KVCV over the coming months. On 6 November, we will be providing information on radiochemistry at Tabloo (Dessel), and on 12 December we are proud to be organising the first Symposium on Computational Chemistry in Flanders, in Brussels. This autumn also sees the launch of the 21st edition of the Kekulé Cycle. Under the theme ‘Innovating our future’, we will be hosting five inspiring evenings of lectures and a debate evening between October and March.

Together with our enthusiastic volunteers, we are committed to offering activities across all chemical subdisciplines — including areas for which no dedicated section currently exists. At the same time, we are continuing to rebuild the Analytical Chemistry and Education & Training sections, and we are looking for engaged volunteers to help shoulder the work of the society.

And then there is something big on the horizon… From 12 to 16 July 2026, Antwerp will become the chemistry capital of Europe, hosting the 10th EuChemS Chemistry Congress (ECC10). As the host organisation, we are in full preparation mode. ECC10 promises to be a world-class international congress bringing together chemists from across the globe — from emerging talent to distinguished names.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, the support of our members, and our partners. So: believe in your future, wear your interest in chemistry with pride, become a member of KVCV, and make yourself known at our events. Together, we ensure that chemistry keeps moving and keeps inspiring.