Antwerp welcomes Europe’s chemistry community as ECC10 arrives in the city

Antwerp is preparing to welcome the European and global chemistry community as the 10th EuChemS Chemistry Congress, ECC10, arrives in the city next week.

Taking place from 12 to 16 July 2026 at A Room with a ZOO, the congress will bring researchers, industrial chemists, academics, early-career scientists and sector leaders to one of the world’s most significant chemistry destinations. Hosted by the Royal Flemish Chemical Society, KVCV, ECC10 will combine a high-level scientific programme with the opportunity to experience a city where chemistry is part of the economic, industrial and innovation landscape.

The congress programme offers a wide variety of plenary lectures, invited talks, oral presentations, poster sessions, symposia, workshops and dedicated activities for young chemists. Its eight congress themes span the breadth of modern chemistry, from catalysis, materials, analytical and physical chemistry to AI, sustainability, energy, biology, food science and responsible chemistry for society. A dedicated Industry Day will further connect academic research with industrial application, highlighting the role chemistry must play in competitiveness, climate action, circularity, safe and sustainable design, strategic autonomy and digitalisation.  During the industry day, the city of Antwerp will host a session focused on its own ecosystem and how that is supporting the sector moving forwards.

For Antwerp, the congress is more than a major international scientific meeting. It is a chance to showcase the city’s deep relationship with chemistry. Antwerp is home to Europe’s largest integrated chemical cluster and the second-largest chemical cluster in the world, with more than 500 chemical companies and a diverse portfolio of more than 300 chemicals. It is also a port city with global reach, strong logistics connections and an innovation ecosystem focused on sustainable chemistry, circular economy, life sciences and industrial transition.

A Room with a ZOO will provide a distinctive setting for the congress. Located next to Antwerp Central Station and within walking distance of the historic city centre, the venue combines modern congress facilities with the heritage and conservation work of Antwerp ZOO. Delegates arriving by rail will step almost directly from one of Europe’s most celebrated stations into the congress environment, while Brussels Airport offers a direct train connection to Antwerp Central Station.

Congress organiser and President KVCV, Dr Christophe De Bie said: “ECC10 is much more than a scientific conference; it is a platform where academia, industry and the wider innovation ecosystem can collaborate to accelerate sustainable solutions. Antwerp is the ideal host destination for that conversation. As one of the world’s most important chemistry and industrial hubs, the city gives delegates direct connection to the sector they are here to discuss, while also offering an accessible, welcoming and highly walkable setting for international exchange. Bringing ECC10 to Antwerp allows us to combine outstanding scientific content with the energy of a city where chemistry, innovation and industry are part of everyday life.”

Tadeja Pivc Coudyser, CEO of Antwerp Convention Bureau, said: “It is a privilege to welcome ECC10 to Antwerp, a city where chemistry is part of our identity and our future. Delegates will find world-class science inside the congress and a world-class chemistry ecosystem all around them, from the port and chemical cluster to our universities, start-ups, cultural venues and welcoming neighbourhoods. We want every participant to feel that Antwerp is not simply hosting the conversation, it is part of it.”

Alongside the scientific programme, delegates are encouraged to make time for the city itself. Antwerp offers an easily walkable centre, outstanding restaurants, design and fashion, historic architecture, museums, summer atmosphere and a warm welcome shaped by more than 170 nationalities.

As ECC10 begins, Antwerp looks forward to supporting new connections, new ideas and new solutions for chemistry in Europe and beyond.