Chemists in Civil Service

Chemists work in the public sector in state monitoring offices, the environmental authorities of the federal government, the federal states and local authorities, as well as in many other areas such as the fire service and customs offices.

The range of activities is correspondingly diverse. It extends from purely research activities, work in laboratories and science administration to consultancy, assessment and monitoring activities.

The declared aim of the "Chemists in Civil Service" Working Group, founded in March 1994 and elevated to the status of a GDCh Division in December 2004, is to

• specifically promote the scientific and professional interests of this group
• make use of the expertise and influence of the members of this group in support of the GDCh’s objectives (e.g. in occupational, environmental and consumer protection).

Shortlink to this page: www.gdch.de/oedi

• Strengthening the position of chemists in public authorities in cooperation with lawyers, engineers, etc.
• Information forum to enhance professional expertise
• Education and public relations through professional participation in current societal discussions on topics from chemistry
• Quality assurance in advising politicians and public authorities on (environmental) policy decisions
• Promoting courses and training programmes in natural sciences and technology, with a focus on chemistry
• Information about fields of work in the public sector
• Supporting young chemists through active dialogue across the subject boundaries of their studies
• Supporting the reconciliation of family and career
• Promoting equal opportunities, particularly for leadership positions.

Members of Chemists in Civil Service work directly at the interface between business, science and society. In doing so, they require extensive knowledge of legal frameworks and socio-political contexts in addition to their specialist chemical expertise.

They participate in public discussions aimed at bringing greater objectivity to issues of public relevance, acting as a neutral and impartial link.

Chemists in Civil Service therefore wish to offer all colleagues

• in public institutions
• in publicly funded research centres, and
• in international organisations

a network for cooperation and support.