Antwerp Prepares to Welcome Europe’s Chemistry Community for ECC10

Next week, Antwerp will become the meeting point for Europe's chemistry community as it hosts the 10th EuChemS Chemistry Congress (ECC10), bringing together leading scientists, researchers and industry experts in a city where chemistry is both academic discipline and a defining economic force.

From 12 to 16 July 2026, A Room with a ZOO will welcome researchers, industrial chemists, academics, early-career scientists and sector leaders from across Europe and beyond. Organised by the Royal Flemish Chemical Society (KVCV), the congress combines an ambitious scientific programme with the opportunity to experience one of the world's foremost chemistry ecosystems first-hand.

Across five days, delegates will explore the latest developments through plenary lectures, invited talks, oral presentations, poster sessions, symposia, workshops and dedicated activities for young chemists. Eight scientific themes reflect the breadth of contemporary chemistry, covering catalysis, materials science, analytical and physical chemistry, artificial intelligence, sustainability, energy, biology, food science and responsible chemistry for society.

Strengthening the connection between research and real-world application, a dedicated Industry Day will focus on how chemistry is driving competitiveness, climate action, circularity, safe and sustainable design, strategic autonomy and digitalisation. Antwerp itself will take centre stage during the programme, hosting a session showcasing how its industrial ecosystem continues to support innovation and the sector's long-term transformation.

For Antwerp, hosting ECC10 is also an opportunity to demonstrate why the city has become one of the world's most influential chemistry hubs. Home to Europe's largest integrated chemical cluster, and the second largest globally, Antwerp brings together more than 500 chemical companies producing over 300 different chemical products. Combined with one of Europe's leading ports, world-class logistics and a thriving innovation landscape spanning sustainable chemistry, life sciences and the circular economy, the destination offers delegates a living laboratory for the industry's future.
 

The congress venue reinforces that connection. Situated beside the iconic Antwerp Central Station and within walking distance of the historic city centre, A Room with a ZOO combines state-of-the-art conference facilities with the unique heritage of Antwerp ZOO. International delegates can travel directly from Brussels Airport by train, arriving virtually at the congress doorstep.

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.”

Beyond the lecture halls, delegates will discover a city designed to be explored on foot. Antwerp's compact centre offers renowned gastronomy, celebrated fashion and design, historic architecture, acclaimed museums and a vibrant summer atmosphere, all shaped by the diversity of more than 170 nationalities that call the city home.

As ECC10 gets underway, Antwerp is ready not only to host the conversations shaping the future of chemistry, but to provide the setting where new partnerships, fresh ideas and lasting collaborations can emerge.
 

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