Antwerp in Belgium welcomes the European and global chemistry community, 12-16 July 2026 when the 10th EuChemS Chemistry Congress, ECC10, arrives in the city’s A Room with a ZOO venue.
The congress will bring researchers, industrial chemists, academics, early-career scientists and sector leaders to the city. 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.
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.
Antwerp is home to 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.
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.
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… 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.”
