3rd National Meeting of the Swedish Chemical Society
This summer, chemists from all over Sweden will meet in Västerås. Participants from all fields of chemistry are welcome and the programme includes top-level international plenary speakers, interactive poster sessions, and ample networking opportunities.
“It’s a chemistryfest! Everyone who’s anyone in Swedish Chemistry from academia and industry will be there and there will be something for everyone,” says Professor Mark Rutland, co-chair of the conference.
The idea behind the National Meeting of the Swedish Chemical Society is to provide an opportunity for chemists to meet, to make new ties and renew old ones, both geographically and disciplinarily. This is the third edition of the conference. The first one was in Lund in 2018 and the next one was held in Linköping. Both meetings were roaring successes, according to Mark Rutland, and he hope for similar levels of enthusiasm this time around.
“We are a strong and vibrant community, but without a significant local meeting of this kind our focus is always international. It’s particularly important for PhD students and postdocs to be able to expose their work and make contacts that will benefit their future careers.”
Attendees with a passion
Students, postdocs, industry representatives, educators, policy makers, innovators and IP specialists are all welcome. “Everyone with a passion for Chemistry!” as Mark Rutland puts it. Around 400 people are expected to attend, but they can accommodate around 450 if necessary.
“The Swedish community is not as overwhelming as for example the American counterpart, which can expect more than 10,000 participants!” says Mark Rutland.
He was an early proponent of the “National Meeting” concept. So organizing the event was a natural step.
“I am however very glad that I have a kindred spirit in Berit Olofsson from SU as co-chair – I would never have dared without an engaged and organised co-conspirator. And while many people have contributed, I must also mention the efforts of Helena Lundberg without whom this meeting would be a mere shadow of the exciting meeting we have planned.”
Which part of the programme are you most looking forward to?
“Not fair! As a surface chemist, I am naturally looking forward to the annual symposium of surface chemistry and materials chemistry, which is one of the parallel sessions, which will also include a dedicated session to honour Tommy Nylander, a pillar of our community. However, we have a panel discussion and dedicated sessions on all aspects of sustainability that I think will be very revealing. And some AMAZING plenaries who have been selected on the basis of their scientific excellence.”
“But if I am honest, the thing I am most looking forward to is a live performance by the band Fat Cotton after the conference dinner!”
Text: Jon Lindhe