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Homepage/Awards/Named lectures

Named Lectures

GDCh

Named Lectures

The GDCh named lectures are a vibrant network for bilateral and international cooperation: together with partner societies, they facilitate direct exchange between researchers from different countries. Guided by the principle “Thinking across borders”, the lectures are awarded reciprocally, creating lasting connections between scientific societies. Discover the long-established August Wilhelm von Hofmann Lecture and other formats, and browse through the topics, people and partnerships that connect chemistry across borders.

What are named lectures?

Together with international partner organisations, the GDCh has established named lectures – a format that specifically strengthens scientific exchange between countries and highlights prominent figures from the respective partner countries.

The oldest and best-known is the August Wilhelm von Hofmann Lecture: Inspired by this model, further lectures were established through bilateral agreements with European partner societies. What makes them special is that invitations are based on reciprocity – scientists are invited alternately, creating an ongoing dialogue across borders.

Browse the history of the lectures and invited guests – discover how chemistry builds international connections.

Existing named lectures in the international partner network

Science connects us – bilateral in thought, international in practice.
Great Britain
Great Britain
Alexander-Todd-Hans Lecture on Chemistry
International
International
August Wilhelm von Hofmann Lecture
Romania
Romania
Costin-Nenitzescu-Rudolf-Criegee Lecture
Hungary
Hungary
George de Hevesy Lecture
Switzerland
Switzerland
Heilbronner–Hückel Lecture
Spain
Spain
Hermanos-Elhuyar-Hans-Goldschmidt Lecture
Czechia and Slovakia
Czechia and Slovakia
Heyrovsky-Ilkovic-Nernst Lecture
Italy
Italy
Karl Ziegler–Giulio Natta Lecture
Israel
Israel
Richard Willstätter Lecture
France
France
Victor Grignard–Georg Wittig Lecture

Awarding of Named Lectures

Based on mutual agreements, the partner societies award renowned chemists their named lecture series and invite them to the partner country. The award recipient undertakes a lecture tour there and gives talks at three universities or scientific institutions.

Nominations are expressly welcome – from all areas of chemistry: from universities, public research institutes and industry. We attach great importance to a wide diversity of people and profiles.

A committee carefully reviews the nominations received and selects the invited speakers in consultation with the partner societies.

This creates a regular, personal exchange: the awards and invitations are generally made annually, alternating between the participating societies.

Further Eponymous Lectures

Further named lectures are awarded by the GDCh Divisions.

For information and enquiries about named lectures, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Ralph Wieneke
Ralph Wieneke

Dr. Ralph Wieneke

Chemistry – (Y)Our Passion, (Y)Our commitment

r.wieneke@gdch.de
+49 69 7917 311